The Algerian captained his nation in Oran, grabbing his 27th international goal in the process before being replaced on 73 minutes.
He had already gone close with a vicious drive earlier in the half, but Mahrez was presented with a golden opportunity to open the scoring on the stroke of half-time.
Indeed, the winger made no mistake from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time after Ibrahima Kone had handled inside the area.
Mali stopper Ismael Diawara guessed right, but couldn’t get a hand to the Algerian’s pinpoint penalty.
Mahrez was at his creative best soon after the restart, jinking away from the visiting defenders before sweeping a dangerous ball into the far post.
On this occasion, however, Karim Aribi’s acrobatic effort couldn’t find the target.
And Algeria were punished soon after when Mamadou Fofana powered home on the volley to earn Mali a share of the spoils.
