Angola’s ‘Palancas Negras’ have got their African Cup of Nations challenge off the ground with a 0-0 draw against a DR Congo team that was reduced to 10 men for the majority of a very physical, and competitive Group B match in Cairo.

But, in a game where there were a number of chances at both ends, the main talking point of the match was the early dismissal of Tresor Mputo.

DR Congo's Mputo appeared to suffer a momentary lapse in sanity, as he aimed a wild hack to Angolan defender Kali’s groin as the he attempted to shield the ball out of play, which saw him earn an instant red-card.

But the DR Congo were not fazed by the setback, and Congo captain, and Portsmouth FC striker Tresor Lomama LuaLua missed two decent chances, one in each half, but shot wide on both occassions.

Angola showed some nice touches, with striker Akwa heading just wide of the goal following some good build up play from the World Cup debutants, and Congo keeper Pascal Kalemba was forced to make a fine save from Antonio Mendonca.

Kalemba was again forced into some fine goalkeeping with Angola striker Akwa showing some good play and forcing two good saves from him, while, just after the restart, a blatant foul from Gladys Bokese on Angola’s Flavio should have resulted in a penalty.

The goalkeeping heroics of Kalemba kept the DR Congo in the match, and DR Congo coach Claude Leroy’s Simba’s held on for a valuable point.

Angola, who were thumped 4-1 by Cameroon in their opening match of the African Cup of Nations at the weekend, will no doubt feel that they should have earned more than just a point against the ten men of the DR Congo.

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