AFCON: Mali and Ghana through to the Semi Finals

 Mali reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for the second year running after edging out hosts South Africa on penalties.

Bafana Bafana missed three of their spot-kicks, with Lehlohonolo Majoro shooting wide to give Mali victory.

The hosts had taken the lead in the first half, with striker Tokelo Rantie firing home from Thuso Phala's cross.

Mali captain Seydou Keita drew his side level, heading past South Africa keeper Itumeleng Khune from six yards.

South Africa were looking to avenge their defeat at the hands of the Malians at the same stage in 2002, but the Eagles again dashed the hosts' hopes, as they did against Gabon in a quarter-final shoot-out in Libreville last year.

Gordon Igesund's well-drilled side produced their best performance of the tournament in the first half, taking the game to the fancied Malians, amid an electrifying atmosphere in Durban.

 Ghana reached the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after Mubarak Wakaso scored a controversial penalty and a breakaway goal.

After a dour first half, Ghana won a spot-kick when Asamoah Gyan fell after a Carlitos shoulder barge and Wakaso smashed home the spot-kick

Cape Verde responded well and Ghana goalkeeper Fatau Dauda made superb saves from Platini, Djaniny and Heldon.

But Wakaso raced clear with the Cape Verde keeper stranded to seal the win.

It was a harsh ending for Cape Verde, who came so close to an equaliser that would have been deserved on balance of play in the second half.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21294305