Host nation Angola won Group A after their nil-nil draw with Angola, Monday. (Photo: Zumapress)
In a match that played out as an indictment of the tournament’s format, Angola and Algeria secured passage into the African Cup of Nations quarterfinals with a nil-nil draw, neither team showing any ambition towards un-evening the score.
The result played out undoubted thanks to news from Cabinda that Mali was ahead of Malawi, meaning a draw in Luanda would see the Antelopes and Foxes through.
Consequently, much of the match’s second half was a cynical display of unambitious passing around the opposition’s defense. At the final whistle, smiling players congratulated their opposition, knowing each had qualified for the quarters.
As the result played out, thoughts of “how could a tournament avoid this scenario” emerged, but there were no solutions. The nil-nil between the hosts and Algerians is akin to an externality and while it is unfortunately, it is no more offensive or cosmically meaningful than a meaningless fixture on a league’s 38th match day.
Though perhaps Mali may disagree.
Angola’s best chance of the match came in the first half when midfielder Ze Kalanga pushed Algerian goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi to his limits to keep out a direct kick. It was the closest of a series of long-range opportunities for which the Angolans were content to settle.
Algeria showed slightly more initiative, creating opportunities for Mahjid Bougherra (in the first half, off a set piece) and Karim Matmour (who could not get to a well-cross ball). However, by the 65 minute mark, Algeria signed on to the tacit agreement with the Angolans, subsequently advancing as Group A’s second place team.
Angola wins the group with five points (1-2-0) and will face Group B’s second place team. That is likely to be the winner of the Burkina Faso-Ghana match, tomorrow, though it will likely be Burkina Faso should Ghana lose by two or more goals.
Algeria will face the other Group B qualifier, which is likely to be Les Éléphants.
For Angola, tournament leading goal scorer Flávio did not play, kept on the bench with injury. He is expected to return for the knock-out phase.
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