Mali began their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Cape Verde on Friday, earning three valuable points from the opening round of fixtures.
The Eagles made a fast start and went ahead after just five minutes, when Ange Martial Tia found the net.
Cape Verde responded five minutes later as Sidny Cabral restored parity with a well-executed free-kick.
After the lively opening, Mali regained control and retook the lead shortly before half-time. Nene Dorgeles put them back in front in the 39th minute.
The Mali forward struck again six minutes after the restart, completing his double in the 51st minute and extending the advantage to 3-1.
Cape Verde attempted to respond during the second half but could not find a way back into the match.
The result gives Mali an ideal start to their CAN 2027 qualification campaign and places them immediately in contention for the leading positions in their group.
Mali’s next fixture will be against Liberia on 29 September.