Keita fires Mali to victory in cup opener

Mali secured the first victory in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations with an uninspiring 1-0 win over Niger in Port Elizabeth.

Both of Saturday’s ties — South Africa against Cape Verde and Angola against Morocco — finished goalless and Ghana and DR Congo drew 2-2 earlier yesterday, but Mali finally overcame stubborn resistance from Niger to go top of Group B on three points.

Seydou Keita was the hero for Mali, steering home the winner in the 84th minute after seeing an earlier shot come back off the post.