Striker Nando Rafael has finally been cleared to play for Angola, in the midst of the African Cup of Nations. Team officials said on Wednesday the former Germany Under-21 international's eligibility was confirmed by FIFA on Monday, a day after Angola's opening game. At a press conference, team spokesman Joao Lusevikueno read out a FIFA letter that cleared Rafael to play for Angola from...

Ivory Coast began its quest for a second African Cup of Nations title with a jittery 1-0 victory over Sudan, and Angola also won in Group B by beating Burkina Faso 2-1 on Sunday. Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba scored with a powerful header in the 39th minute, but Sudan refused to be cowed and gave the pre-tournament favorite some nervous moments in the second half.

Angola joined Ivory Coast in winning its opening match at the African Cup of Nations on Sunday by beating Burkina Faso 2-1 from Manucho's long-range strike in the second half. The former Manchester United forward struck in the 68th minute after Alain Traore had leveled for Burkina Faso from a free kick in the 57th.

Aston Villa had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Everton in the Premier League on Saturday after letting slip a second-half lead. Both sides had early chances, but the real action did not start until after the break. Villa striker Darren Bent was picked out by midfielder Stephen Ireland to bundle home the opener in the 56th minute, though the lead only lasted 13 minutes.