Nigeria picked up three points in their first game at the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations after beating a determined Malian side 3 - 2 in Mbour on Sunday night.

The contest produced five goals with the first goal arriving in the 16th minute through Junior Ajayi, who latched on a cross before back-heeling under pressure.

On 34 minutes, Usman Mohammed made it 2 - 0 in favour of the Dream Team when he hooked a low shot in after an assist by Sincere Seth.

The game looked dead and buried as Junior Ajayi scored again just before the intermission to make it 3 - 0 after the Malian goalkeeper parried Okechukwu’s shot into his path and the CS Sfaxien striker accepted the gift.

However, Mali had other ideas and Niane gave the West Africans hope after he converted his penalty in the 54th minute after he was fouled by Oghenekaro Etebo.

And the drama was far from over as Sissoko poked home after the NIgerian defense were caught napping.

Mali had several scoring opportunities to draw level but wasted them .

After matchday one in Group B, the Dream Team, who face Egypt next, lead the standings followed by Egypt and Algeria, who both have one point after playing out a 1 - 1 draw.