Marques receives Grayson support as Togo's participation is finally resolved

The tournament in Angola was rocked last week when gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying the Togo squad, leaving three people dead and a number of others injured.

Togo promptly withdrew from the tournament, prompting speculation other countries and players could follow suit.

Marques, 32, was part of the Angola team that relinquished a 4-0 lead against Mali on Sunday and Grayson said he would back the player in whatever he decides to do.

"Somebody from our club has contacted Rui and he is okay, though obivously it is not an ideal situation," said Grayson.

"All managers who have players out there at the African Nations Cup have the best interests of the players and their families at heart. If they want to come back it is entirely up to them.

"It is hard to comment on something that is happening so far away but, if Rui wants to return and not be involved in the cup, we would more than welcome him back. He will do what he thinks is right, I am sure."

Togo's involvement in the tournament is definitely over following their failure to appear for their opening match against Ghana last night.

There had been uncertainty over their intentions since the team returned home from Angola after the gun attack on their team bus last Friday.

The Confederation of African Football have been largely silent on the matter amid conflicting reports over whether the team would return to Angola.

But an official told reporters yesterday afternoon that if the west African side were not on the pitch come kick-off for their first game, they would be disqualified from the event.

The Togo players failed to take the pitch for their Group B opener, putting an end to any lingering doubt over their involvement in the tournament.

"The referee has received the order to blow the starting whistle and if the Togolese players are not there, they will have lost the match and will be disqualified," a CAF official said yesterday afternoon.

Reports had suggested Togo filed a formal request to return after a three-day period of mourning but that was denied by CAF.

The CAF official added: "Togo have not taken official steps to come back and play in the Cup. We have just heard this rumour in the press."

While there was no action between Togo and Ghana, two other matches took place producing surprising results.

Malawi stunned England's World Cup rivals Algeria at a near-deserted November 11 stadium as the unpredictable start to the Cup continued.

Algeria began the Group A match as clear favourites, but were 2-0 down by half-time thanks to goals from Russell Mwafulirwa and Elvis Kafoteka.

Davi Banda added a third after 49 minutes to end any thoughts of an Algeria comeback.

Tournament favourites Ivory Coast were rocked after being held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Burkina Faso in their opening Group B match.

Vahid Halilhodzic's team dominated possession but could not find the cutting edge to break down Burkina Faso's defence despite a frontline of Didier Drogba, Bakari Kone and Gervinho.