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Neutrals pray for perfect hosts

Unless you're one of that side's natural enemies, it's always a relief when the host nation of a major tournament stays in the competition.

Angola aren't yet out of the woods, but their 2-0 win over Malawi on Thursday put them in charge of their own destiny at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Malawi, of course, aren't exactly delighted at missing the chance to be the first team into the quarter-finals.

But half the thrill of these matches comes from the energy of the crowd, and I was glad to see Angola hold on to the points that could see their boisterous fans back to the cauldron of the November 11 stadium beyond the next match.