CAIRO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Mauritania were given an unpleasant welcome to their first appearance in Africa Cup of Nations as they lost to West African neighbors Mali 4-1 in their Group E game Monday night in Egypt's Suez city.

Mali are topping the group with three points, two more than Tunisia and Angola who drew 1-1 earlier in the day at the same venue.

Mali Eagles were the better side from the start to the end. Abdoulaye Diaby and Moussa Marega each scored within a span of eight minutes, and Adama Noss Traore added a third just after the break.

Hacen Al Ide scored from the spot to give Mauritania a historic goal, but Adama Traore added the fourth to hand Mauritania defeat in their first ever AFCON match.