Algeria began the Group A match as clear favourites, but were 2-0 down by half-time thanks to goals from Russell Mwafulirwa and Elvis Kafoteka.

Davi Banda added a third after 49 minutes to end any thoughts of an Algeria comeback, sealing a 3-0 win.

Yesterday's 4-4 draw between hosts Angola and Mali did not appear to have captured the public's imagination as the players performed in Luanda in front of rows and rows of empty seats.

Tournament favourites Ivory Coast were held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Burkina Faso in their opening Group B match at the Estadio do Cabinda this evening.

Vahid Halilhodzic's team dominated possession but could not find the cutting edge to break down a determined Burkinabe defence despite an impressive frontline of Didier Drogba, Bakari Kone and Gervinho.

Chelsea striker Drogba had an early shout for a penalty after a sliding challenge from Paul Koulibaly, but the appeals were rejected.

Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue looked to be caught in the area by Mamadou Tall after 20 minutes but again the referee was unmoved.

Eboue then burst through down the right only to fire across goal and Siaka Tiene blasted over from a tight angle following Drogba's cross from the right.

Chelsea's Salomon Kalou and Portsmouth's Aruna Dindane were introduced off the bench by Ivory Coast in the second half.

Drogba was cynically brought down by Mohamed Koffi on the edge of the box 17 minutes from time but the free-kick came to nothing.

The Chelsea frontman did test Diakite in the 85th minute but the Burkinabe goalkeeper was equal to his snap-shot from a tight angle as the Ivorians' frustration continued.