Mali, Ghana in tight oepning Cup of Nations wins

Mali's Eagles joined Ghana at the top of Group D after beating Guinea 1-0 in a tight affair in Franceville.

Bakaye Traore scored the only goal after 30 minutes as his powerful strike from the edge of the area deflected past Guinea goalkeeper Naby Yattara.

Guinea threatened through youngster Alhassane Bangoura, Ibrahima Diallo and Ismael Bangoura but could not find a way past an obdurate defence.

Group D is topped by Mali and Ghana, who beat Botswana - also 1-0 - earlier.

Wednesday's late game meant that all 16 teams at this year's Africa Cup of Nations had been in action, with every match managing to produce a winner so far.

Elsewehere, Ghana got their Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a winning start with a tight 1-0 victory over Botswana.

Captain John Mensah put the Black Stars ahead in the first half, burying an in-swinging corner from close range.

But the skipper earned himself a red card, bringing down Jerome Ramatlhakwane, with the Zebras striker through on goal.

Ghana enjoyed much of the possession, but had to settle for a narrow win after Mensah's second-half dismissal.

The Black Stars started comfortably enough, but Botswana immediately showed on their Nations Cup debut that they were not there to be overrun, confining Ghana to midfield.

Ghana pressed, however, seeking to make their early possession count.

And they duly delivered on 25 minutes when the Botswana defence let down their guard and allowed Mensah to slot home in front of goal, after a good flick-on from Asamoah Gyan.

The Ghanaians kept up the pressure after going ahead, but Botswana quickly rediscovered their composure to repel attacks from Gyan and Jordan Ayew.

Botswana battled hard to win more possession in the second half, with Penyo Mongala and Moemedi Moatlhaping looking lively.

Moatlhaping was unlucky not to see his header find the net, after nodding across goal, in Botswana's best chance of the match.