Bafana held but still top Group A in Chan

Bernard Parker had put the host nation ahead through a 25th minute penalty, his second in as many games, but Mali fought back and grabbed an equaliser 10 minutes after the interval, courtesy of Ibourahima Sidibe's thunderous effort.

The draw lifted both Bafana and Mali to four points from their two fixtures, with South Africa topping the group, thanks to a superior goal-difference of two.

In the game that followed Bafana's, Nigeria claimed their first points of the campaign, beating Mozambique 4-2, courtesy of a brace from Rabiu Ali, while Imenger Barnabas and Ifeanyi Ede added the rest.

A thrilling start saw four goals scored before the half-hour mark as Mozambique and Nigeria put on a superb display for on-lookers who remained after the first game, as well as supporters who flocked to the ground for the second.

Having gone into the half-time break locked at 2-2, Ali's second, scored from the penalty spot, proved decisive in separating the teams and steering Nigeria to a nervy victory.

Nigeria climbed to third in the group, and still have a chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals, but will have to overcome Bafana in the last game of the group on Sunday.

Mozambique, meanwhile, have emerged as the group's whipping boys and sit bottom of the group with no points and have conceded seven in their two outings.

(File photo:Gallo Images)

- Sapa