Hosts Angola atoned for throwing

away a four-goal lead against Mali in their opening game by

beating Malawi 2-0 on Thursday to move top of Group A in the

African Nations Cup.

Two quick goals early in the second half from strikers

Flavio and Manucho settled the contest.

Flavio scored his third of the tournament in the 48th minute

while Manucho followed six minutes later with an opportunistic

effort.

Flavio scored with a trademark header at the end of a

storming run and cross from left back Mabina.

Manucho's strong physical presence proved vital as he

stripped Malawi captain Peter Mponda of the ball on the edge of

the Malawi penalty area and cracked home a powerful shot to make

it 2-0.

Angola, who conceded four late goals to draw 4-4 with Mali

on Sunday, head the group by a point from Algeria and Malawi and

look well placed to take first place and stay in the capital for

next week's quarter-finals.

The hosts, with a hard running approach, set out quickly to

overwhelm their Malawian opponents, who enjoyed a surprise 3-0

win over Algeria in their first group game on Monday.

But only Djalma and Manucho had chances in the first half,

thwarted by a lack of accuracy and a save by Malawi goalkeeper

Swadick Sanudi.

A cheeky back heel almost saw Malawi go into the lead in the

41st minute but Victor Nyirenda's audacious effort was saved.

Angola's success will be tempered by concern over injury to

key players Gilberto and Flavio, who both had to leave the game.

There were no late jitters this time as Angola comfortably

held on their lead.

Their next game is against Algeria in Luanda on Monday.