Egypt's historic triumph in Luanda on Sunday night was a fitting finale to any tournament - and a great way to end what has at times been a difficult Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Even before it had started, Angola 2010 suffered a grievous blow, when a rebel faction attacked the Togolese team as they travelled into the northern enclave of Cabinda. The death and serious injury which resulted, and the Hawks' subsequent withdrawal, damaged both the tournament and the reputation of the organizers. Cancellation was never a serious option though and football did return to the centre stage eventually, with a flurry of matches which caught the imagination. Angola's 4-4 draw with Mali, when the hosts surrendered a four-goal lead, and Malawi's fabulous 3-0 win over World Cup qualifiers Algeria particularly stand out. The group stage certainly demonstrated that opportunities exist for underdogs to make their mark at a Nations Cup. But by the time the quarter-finals came around it was, mostly, the big names which had made it through - with the honourable exception of Zambia's Chipolopolo, who deservedly made it through after playing with verve and style.