Mali thrashed Cameroon 3-1 in Niamey on Monday, in their Group B opener of their 2015 U17 African Championship.

The win allowed the Malians to claim top spot in their group following the 2-2 draw between Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa.

All four goals were scored in the second half after a goalless first 45 minutes, with Mamadou Sangaré breaking the deadlock for Mali in the 49th minute.

However, it took the Lion cubs only a few minutes to fight back with skipper Martin Hongla scoring the equaliser on the hour mark.

But substitute Sekou Koita put Mali ahead for the second time in the 78th minute, with Boubacar Traoré sealing the victory on the stroke of full time.

There will be no more room for mistake for Cameroon when they face Côte d’Ivoire on Thursday, while Mali tries to keep their momentum going and book their semi-finals spot against South Africa.