Congo claims African Nations title, beats Mali 3-0

KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) - Congo won the African Nations Championship title by beating Mali 3-0 in the final in Rwanda on Sunday.

The Congolese claimed their second title after winning the inaugural tournament in 2009. The African Nations Championship is Africa's competition for home-based players.

Mechak Elia scored twice for Congo, once in each half, and Jonathan Bolingi added a third in the 74th minute to seal victory for coach Florent Ibenge's team at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

The young Mali team missed a series of good chances.

Sunday's final was the culmination of a three-week tournament featuring 16 teams.

Ivory Coast earlier won the third-place match with a 2-1 victory over Guinea, which had two penalties saved by Ivorian goalkeeper Abdoul Karim Cisse. Guinea also conceded an own goal through defender Mohamed Youla.