The Desert Foxes edge Mali to keep hopes of a quarterfinals place alive 

The Desert Foxes edge Mali to keep hopes of a quarterfinals place alive

Rafik Halliche’s first-half headed in a free-kick was enough for the Algerian to see off Mali.

The game was largely a battle of midfield with neither side creating many real chances, the Eagles continued to pressure Algeria throughout the match but failed to produce.

The first real chance of the game came from Algeria’s Karim Ziani’s shot from outside the area which bounced off the bar.

Ziani again caused problems for the Eagles defense; his shot from outside the box forced a save from Soumbeyla Diakhite who was making his first start of the tournament.

Algeria got on the scoreboard just before half-time when Halliche rose above the Malian defenders to head home Ziani’s free-kick.

Mali owned much of the possession in the second half but failed to break down the stingy Algerian defense.

Mali will be without Bakary Soumare and Mahamoudou Diarra for their last group match against Malawi, they must win in order to have any hopes of progressing.

Algeria face host and group leaders Angola, a win will assure them a place in the quarterfinals while a draw may also be enough to see them through.