( CNN ) -- Goals from Manucho and Flavio gave hosts Angola a welcome boost as they moved top of Africa Cup of Nations Group A with a 2-0 victory over Malawi on Thursday . In the opening match Angola threw away a 4-0 lead to eventually draw with Mali , but home fans were able to celebrate second-time round as they clinched a comfortable two-goal win in Luanda . Angola , who played under the gaze of president Eduardo Jose dos Santos , began the game brightly and almost took the lead in the opening minutes when Manucho volleyed Flavio 's cross only for Malawi keeper Swadick Sanudi to smother the ball . The team known as the `` Black Antelopes '' continued to dominate the half and went close again in the 33rd minute when Djalma teed up Manucho but Sanudi was equal to his powerful shot . Angola 's attacking approach was maintained after the half-time interval and they broke the deadlock three minutes into the half through Flavio . The energetic Djalma broke down the left flank before he whipped a dangerous cross into the penalty area which was met by the head of Flavio who directed the ball past Sanudi . Former Manchester United striker Manucho doubled the advantage in the 54th minute when he held off a strong challenge from Malawi captain Peter Mponda and produced a neat close-range finish . Angola coach Manuel Jose was forced to withdraw Flavio through injury on the hour mark but it was the only sour note in what was morale-boosting win for the hosts . The tournament , which has continued despite the withdrawal of Togo after a deadly machine-gun attack , continued with Algeria clashing with Mali . Defender Rafik Halliche scored the only goal of the game as the Desert Foxes registered their first victory of the tournament with a 1-0 win over in Cidadela . Mali were unable to match the heroics of their first match as they went down to a disciplined Algeria side . The Eagles had the early pressure and Mustapha Yatabare 's second-minute free-kick caused problems in the Algerian defence but Mahamadou Diarra was unable to find a teammate with his pull-back after beating Algeria keeper Faouzi Chaouchi to the loose ball . However , Algeria -- known as the Desert Foxes -- dominated the remainder of the half and went close moments later when Karim Ziani 's swerving , dipping cross almost caught out Soumaila Diakite in the Mali goal as it struck the top of the crossbar . Rabah Saadane 's side continued to press and were rewarded with the opening goal of the game in the 43rd minute when Bakary Soumare brought down Yacine Bezzaz in a dangerous position . Ziani delivered another dangerous ball into the penalty area and Halliche was able to evade the Mali defenders and head the ball past Diakite . Stephen Keshi 's side began the second half with renewed purpose and Mali 's Seydou Keita forced a fingertip save from Algeria Chaouchi from a narrow angle shortly after the half-time break . But it was a rare chance as Halliche and Madjid Bougherra marshalled the Algeria defence superbly , despite the introduction of Sevilla striker Freddie Kanoute for Mali , to hold on for the win .
Goals from Manucho and Flavio helped the Angola move top of Africa Cup of Nations Group A with a 2 - 0 victory over Malawi on Thursday . The win added a spark to the tournament which has been overshadowed by Togo 's withdrawal last week . Rafik Halliche scored the only goal of the game as Algeria registered their fist ##iest of the tournament with a 1 - 0 win over Mali .