Soccer-Mali ease past Mauritania to claim top spot

Soccer Football - Africa Cup of Nations - Group F - Mali v Mauritania - Stade de Japoma, Douala, Cameroon - January 20, 2022 Mali players celebrate with their fans after the match REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

DOUALA, Cameroon (Reuters) - Left back Massadio Haidara’s early goal set Mali on their way to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Mauritania on Thursday and top spot in Africa Cup of Nations Group F.

Haidara scored the fastest goal of the tournament as he netted after 92 seconds, before Mali added a second via the penalty spot through striker Ibrahima Kone, who scored for the third game in a row.