Hosts Ivory Coast kept up their incredible escape act at the African Cup of Nations after coming from behind to beat Mali and will meet South Africa in the semi-finals after they beat Cape Verde on penalties following a 0-0 draw.
The Elephants (pic) were 2-1 winners in their quarter-final, scoring a last-gasp goal in extra time to book a semi-final with the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was Oumar Diakite who got a touch to Seko Fofana’s strike to win the game for the Ivorians, who played with 10 men for most of the match after Odilon Kossounou was sent off shortly before halftime.
Mali had taken a 71st-minute lead through Nene Dorgeles but the home team, roared on by the crowd at the Stade de la Paix, fought back and equalised through Simon Adingra in the 90th minute to force extra time. Diakite then scored the winner before being sent off for a second booking by taking his shirt off in celebration. Mali's Hamari Traore was also shown a red card at the final whistle.
Meanwhile, Ronwen Williams saved four spot kicks in a penalty shoot-out to help South Africa reach the semi-finals following South Africa’s 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte and Patrick Andrade were all denied by the outstanding Williams, who also made a spectacular late save to tip Gilson Benchimol's first-time strike against the woodwork and ensure the gruelling quarter-final entered extra time.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made two saves in quick succession shortly after extra time began to deny Mihlali Mayambela and Teboho Mokoena. Bafana Bafana will now have the chance to avenge their defeat to Nigeria on their last appearance in the Afcon semi-finals, when they were beaten 2-0 by the Super Eagles in 2000.
The 1996 champions will attempt to bridge a 24-place gap in Fifa's rankings when they meet the three-time winners in Bouake on Wednesday.
