Johannesburg: Mali survived the red-carding of goalkeeper Mamadou Samassa to defeat Malawi 2-0 on Sunday in an Africa Cup of Nations matchday 1 qualifier.
France-based Samassa was sent off in the second half in Bamako soon after striker Bakary Sacko from English second-tier club Wolverhampton Wanderers had scored for the Eagles.
Another French Ligue 1 player, striker Cheick Tidiane Diabate from leaders Bordeaux, assured a home victory with a stoppage-time goal.
His strike took the Eagles to the top of Group B on goal difference from Algeria, who beat Ethiopia 2-1 in Addis Ababa on Saturday.
Mali and Malawi were also scheduled to play on Saturday, but torrential rain forced a 24-hour delay.
Malawi host Ethiopia on Wednesday on matchday 2, while Mali are away to 1990 African champions Algeria.
