By Peter Jegwa Kumwenda BBC Sport Online in Lilongwe

Group 1: Malawi 0-0 Angola

A young Malawi team made a promising start to their African Nations Cup campaign by achieving an unexpected victory over a star-studded Angola team in Lilongwe.

Striker Russell Mwafulirwa, making his first start for the Flames, was hero of the day, scoring with a powerful header from a Peter Mgangira free kick on 84 minutes just as the match seemed to be heading for a draw.

The goal was a rare high point in an otherwise drab game in which neither side had seemed interested in attacking.

Despite having seven foreign-based players, including star striker Pedro Mantorras of Benfica back after a year's absence from the side, the Angolans never really threatened.

They created only a few half-chances which were easily dealt with by young, inexperienced Malawian goalkeeper, Phillip Nyasulu.

Meanwhile Malawi, despite having lost influential captain John Maduka to retirement, were more than a match for the more experienced Angolans in every department.