The Lone Star, which paraded a miserable and inadequate prepared side, has becomes a laughing stock amongst its competitors having missed the glamorous event fours year ago by the slimmest of chance.

Dramane Coulibaly opened the scoring for Mali after converting a penalty after just five minutes when France-based Mahamadou Diarra was fouled in the area.

Another Coulibaly strike in the second half doubled his country's lead.

Souleymane Diamoutene gave Mali its third goal through a spot-kick after Diarra was fouled again in the goal area.

Liberia pulled one back through Shelton Barlee in the 58th minute before Diarra put the match beyond doubt with a strike in the 75th minute.

Mali is now in fifth position with five points while Liberia is bottom with four points.