Ghana holds off Cape Verde, Mali eliminates host South Africa
Ghana booked its place in the semifinals of the African Nations Cup with a 2-0 win over Cape Verde in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
Substitute Mubarak Wakaso bagged both goals in the second half, the first from the penalty spot and the second a finish into an empty net after Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar Vozinha had gone up for a corner in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Ghana was indebted to eccentric goalkeeper Fatau Dauda for a wonderful save in the final 10 minutes that preserved its lead as Cape Verde’s impressive debut in the finals of the continental competition came to an end.
Next up for the Black Stars is a meeting with Burkina Faso or Togo in the last four.
South Africa 1, Mali 1 (Mali wins 3-1 on penalties)
Soumaila Diakite was the hero for Mali after saving two penalties in a 3-1 shootout win over host South Africa.
Tokelo Rantie had given South Africa the lead on 31 minutes at the Moses Mabhida Stadium before Seydou Keita equalized 12 minutes into the second period.
Neither side could create any more meaningful opportunities in the 90 minutes and following a dull 30 minutes of extra time, the game went to spot kicks.
Mali converted all its penalties, while Diakite saved from Dean Furman and May Mahlangu before Lehlohonolo Majoro shot woefully wide as Gordon Igesund’s side crashed out.
Read more Soccernet.espn.com
