Mali picked a 2-0 win over The Gambia in the first leg of their AFCON qualifier in Bamako on Friday.

Goals in either extreme end of the match from Kamory Doumbia and Adama Traore gave the Malians victory.

 Doumbia scored after three minutes when he volleyed home from inside the box.

Traore scored from the spot after the Gambia keeper brought down Nene Dorgeles inside the box. 

Mali top Group G with nine points off three wins on the trot, six ahead of second placed South Sudan. 

Victory next week in Gaborone will confirm their place in Ivory Coast.

Meanwhile, Gambia, who reached the quarter finals of their debut appearance last year, have lost their second match in a row and are on three points, separated from the South Sudanese on goal difference.