LUANDA, Angola: Rafik Halliche scored with a header Thursday to give World Cup qualifier Algeria a 1-0 win over Mali in Group A of the African Cup of Nations.

Algeria kept its hopes of reaching the quarterfinals alive after winning a tough physical contest and bounced back following its surprising 3-0 loss to Malawi.

The game’s lone goal came in the 43rd minute when Halliche rose above the Malian defense to head Karim Ziani’s curling free kick.

Algeria, which became the first of the five World Cup qualifiers to win at the tournament, joined Malawi at the top of the group with three points. Mali and Angola have one each.

World Cup-bound Nigeria and Cameroon lost their opening matches while Ivory Coast drew.

Angola was to play Malawi later Wednesday in the same group.

Mali got off to a strong start and threatened on its first free kick following confusion in the Algerian box but Modibo Maiga sent his shot over the bar in the opening minute.

In a half-empty stadium, the Malians were dangerous again on another set piece but Algeria goalkeeper Faouzi Chaouchi stretched well reach the ball first.

Algeria responded with a cross from Wolfsburg midfielder Ziani that caught goalkeeper Soumaila Diakite off guard, with the ball hitting the bar in the 6th.

Seydou Keita had to leave the pitch on a stretcher following a clumsy tackle from Hassan Yebda in the 12th minute but the Barcelona midfielder was able to return a few minutes later.

Neither team was able to retain much possession, but Algeria had a strong chance to go ahead following a move started by Ziani but Karim Matmour missed his volley in the 21st minute.

Ziani then forced Diakite into a save with a right-footed strike from outside the box in the 26th.

Algeria finally broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute when Halliche slotted home with his powerful header.

After the break Mali pressed for an equalizer as Tamboura sped down the left flank and eased into the box only to see his left-footed shot from a tight angle saved by Chaouchi in the 51st.

Five minutes later, Algeria had a clear chance to double its lead when Yebda struck a 30-meter drive that went just wide.

Mali coach Stephen Keshi then brought on Frederic Kanoute, who scored in his team’s 4-4 draw against Angola last week, but the Seville striker was unable to bring his team level.

Ziani missed Algeria’s last chance when he struck a free kick over the bar in the 88th minute.