Angola beats Namibia after wild first half drama
Angola became the first team into the quarter-finals at the Africa Cup of Nations after an eventful 3-0 win over Namibia in the Round of 16.
Gelson Dala scored twice and Mabululu netted a classy third as Namibia was left to rue four minutes of madness in the first half that would ultimately leave it unable to challenge a stronger opponent.
This was Angola's biggest win at the finals of this tournament, but it looked under the pump early when goalkeeper Neblu was sent off for handling outside his area as Namibia looked to open the scoring through a Bethuel Muzeu chip.
But despite its numerical disadvantage, Gelson put Angola ahead after 38 minutes and Namibia defender Lubeni Haukongo then received a second yellow card and subsequent red as Angola broke again, and Gelson was on hand to head home from the resulting set-piece as his side took full control of the tie.
Namibia was making its debut in the knockout stage but could not profit from Neblu's sending-off.
Deon Hotto’s resulting free-kick from the edge of the area was saved by replacement keeper Antonio Dominique, and Angola then took the lead with a superbly constructed goal. Fredy was played into space on the right-hand side of the box and his low cross provided a simple tap-in for Gelson.
Haukongo received his needless second yellow card and was sent off minutes later and Gelson nodded home from the free kick. Fredy was again the provider, lofting a superb ball into the danger area, where it was met firmly by Gelson's head for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Peter Shalulile fired over early in the second half as Namibia tried to reduce the deficit but it was Angola that scored the next goal.
Mabululu burst into the box after a quick counter-attack and curled a fine finish in at the far post to kill the contest.
Angola hit the crossbar in the closing minutes as the scoreline threatened to get ugly for Namibia, but it remained 3-0, which was more than enough to see Angola progress.