Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi has promised his team will "redeem'' themselves against Mali on Thursday following their shock 3-0 opening African Nations Cup defeat to Malawi on Monday.

Rabah Saadane's side began their opening match as clear favourites, but were 2-0 down by half-time thanks to goals from Russel Mwafulirwa and Elvis Kafoteka at a near-deserted Estadio 11 de Novembro.

Davi Banda added a third after 49 minutes to end any thoughts of a comeback and leave Algeria rock bottom of Group A.

Chaouchi refused to blame the afternoon heat in Luanda for the loss and admitted he was at fault for two of the three goals, but vowed his side would get back on track on Thursday.

He told Le Buteur newspaper: "I do not think anyone expected (such a heavy defeat). It was a surprise, not only for ourselves but for everyone.

"I know we committed many errors. We went completely off and we failed to meet our objectives.

"It was not just (the heat). To say we only lost due to heat would hide other flaws.

"There were many individual mistakes, such as those I committed myself. The responsibility is collective. Everyone has failed. Everyone has made mistakes.

"I take the responsibility for the first and third goals. And I take this opportunity to apologise to the Algerian people. We promise to redeem ourselves.''

Monday's game kicked off at 1445 local time (1345 GMT) while Thursday's match will start at 1700 local time (1600 GMT).

"(The next game) will be in other circumstances - much milder as we play late in the day,'' Chaouchi added.

"We will prepare for the match against Mali, which must be won, and then we will have to negotiate the Angola game. But the priority now is to win against Mali.''

Mali will be looking to continue where they left off against hosts Angola on Sunday.

Trailing 4-0 and seemingly playing for pride with just 11 minutes remaining, Seydou Keita gave the Eagles hope when he scrambled the ball home from a Carlos Fernandes error.

But Frederic Kanoute glanced home a fine header to halve the deficit in the 87th minute, before a second from Keita in stoppage time and Mustapha Yatabare's last-gasp effort snatched a dramatic 4-4 draw .

Looking ahead to Thursday's game, Barcelona midfielder Keita said: "Algeria may be in the World Cup but they are in a tricky situation. Our position is more favourable.

"The pressure is greater for them because, if they drop points against us, qualification for the next round will be tough.''