Algeria put in a gritty to performance to grab their first win of the African Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Group A rivals Mali in Luanda.

World Cup qualifiers Algeria had a disastrous opening game in the tournament as they crumbled to a 3-0 defeat to Malawi. But Rafik Halliche's header gave hope to their progression as Mali struggled to replicate the form they had shown in their stunning comeback against Angola in their Group A opener.

Mali enjoyed an early period of pressure and Mustapha Yatabare's second-minute free-kick caused problems in the Algerian defence, but Mahamadou Diarra was unable to find a team-mate after his pull-back beat Algeria keeper Chaouchi. But Algeria hit back when Karim Ziani's swerving, dipping cross almost caught out Soumaila Diakite in the Mali goal as it struck the top of the crossbar.

Despite the early chances, the game turned into a display of poor midfielding with neither side capable of keeping possession long enough to actually create any genuine chances.

The dead-lock was broken when an ill-timed challenge on Yacine Bezzaz resulted in a set-piece, from which Algeria took a 43rd-minute lead. Ziani's curling delivery allowed defender Halliche to steal in between three defenders and beat the indecisive Diakite in the Mali goal.

After conceding so close to half-time Mali started after the break with more urgency, with Seydou Keita coming close and forcing a fingertip save. But the Algerian defence held firm, and were superbly led by Halliche and Madjid Bougherra, who dealt with everything that was thrown at them.