A poor Nigerian side lost 2-1 to Mali in their opening 2014 CHAN game in Cape Town on Saturday.
In the first half, Nigeria struggled in defence and they did not create many goal scoring chances, while Mali were assured at the back and looked dangerous when they surged forward.
Nigeria improved after the interval, but Mali held out for their first victory at full international level against their fellow West Africans.
Mali took the lead in the 17th minute through Abdoulaye Sissoko, who dashed into the Nigeria box, fired at goal and his shot was helped on by a deflection by Azubuike Egwuekwe.
Mali doubled their lead on 50 minutes, when Adama Traore sweetly struck home from a tight angle through goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim’s legs.
Substitute Gbolahan Salami pulled a goal back for Nigeria off a free kick in the 54th minute.
South Africa’s blushes were saved earlier by a second-half Hlompho Kekana screamer as the host nation claimed a 3-1 win over Mozambique in the curtain raiser of the tournament at Cape Town Stadium.
Diogo Alberto stunned Bafana Bafana after just 11minutes, but a penalty and a goal by Bernard Parker just before the half hour mark put the home side en-route to topping Group B.
The game got underway after two fitting tributes to the late Eusebio and former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, and it was the home side who threatened at goal in the sixth minute.
Bernard Parker made a nifty run up the right flank before crossing in a ball that was brilliantly and crucially dealt with by Almiro Lobo, pushing it out for a corner kick.
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