Algeria kept their hopes of a quarter-final place alive after Rafik Halliche’s header late in the first half proved enough to win the poorest game of the tournament thus far.

Halliche easily beat Mali keeper Soumbeyla Diakite to a flighted Karim Ziani free-kick, to register his first goal for his country.

Diakite had earlier saved Ziani’s long-range effort.

Mali’s only shot on target came shortly after the break when Adama Tamboura’s shot   nearly caught out Fennecs keeper Fawzi Chaouchi at his near post.