Anglo came out on top by the odd goal in a five goal thriller against Mauritania to close in on a last 16 spot
Gelson Dala struck twice as Angola defeated Mauritania 3-2 in an entertaining Africa Cup of Nations clash on Saturday.
Dala gave Angola the lead on the half hour in Bouake when a loose ball fell kindly to him at a corner and his scruffy acrobatic effort bounced over two defenders on the line.
Sidi Bouna Amar hauled Mauritania level as he weaved through the Angola defence before producing an unerring low finish, but Dala responded with a goal of similar brilliance early in the second half.
Mauritania then paid the price for failing to clear, with Gilberto winning the ball inside the area and watching his shot deflect in off centre-back Lamine Ba.
Aboubakary Koita slammed in from 20 metres to raise Mauritanian hopes of a comeback, but Angola held on to deny Amar a second of the contest.
Angola, who drew 1-1 with Algeria in their opening match, ended a nine-game winless run at the tournament dating back to 2012 and took over top spot in Group D with four points.
They sit above Burkina Faso on goals scored and will secure a place in the knockout rounds with a draw against the Stallions in their final group fixture on Tuesday in Yamoussoukro.
