Mali started the brighter side as Mamadou Coulibaly went close twice with a couple of early shots.

Elia however struck for DR Congo in the 29th minute with a long-range, angled shot.

Elia again in the 61st minute dribbled past Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra to place the ball into an empty net.

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Lassana Samaka missed a good chance for Mali ten minutes later, with the game put beyond doubt when Jonathan Bolingi added a third for DR Congo 18 minutes from time.

DR Congo became the first nation to win the trophy twice, having won the inaugural CHAN tournament played in Côte d’Ivoire in 2009.

Earlier, Côte d’Ivoire beat Guinea 2-1 in third place play-off match to win bronze.