African Nations Cup - Mali 0 Nigeria 0

Hosts Mali held Nigeria to a 0-0 draw as the African Nations Cup favourites continued to look poor.

Nigeria were regarded as certainties to reach the latter stages of the competition but their form in two matches so far has been poor.

The Nigerians failed to cope with the vociferous home support and ran out of ideas quickly as Mali chased the ball to close down space for their attackers.

The result puts Mali in second place in the group on two points from two matches, with Nigeria leading the table on four points after their first two games. P>Nigeria goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu needed to save in injury time a header from Mamadou Bagayoko which almost saw Mali win the game.

Mali striker Bassala Toure was put clear on goal earlier but lifted his shot over the advancing Shorunmu but then died before it reached the goal.

Toure came close with a ow shot which was cleared from the goal mouth and Nigeria thought they had won a penalty for a foul on Aghahowa but it was turned down.