African Nations' Cup: Mali maul South African pride

The host nation Mali enjoyed a deserved 2-0 win over South Africa in Kayes yesterday to reach the semi-finals of the African Nations' Cup and spark scenes of national celebration.

After a slow and cautious start to the much-anticipated match, the midfielder Bassala Touré set up victory with a powerful effort on the hour, with the substitute Dramé Coulibaly making certain in stoppage time.

South Africa had purposely slowed down play in the first part of the game and deadened the potentially explosive atmosphere in the 15,000-capacity stadium, but the ploy back-fired when Touré found his way through what had previously been a resilient South African defence before firing wide of goalkeeper Hans Vonk's outstretched arm.

The captain Soumailia Coulibaly's square cross after eight minutes presented a half chance for the Mali striker Mamadou Bagayoko, but he reacted too slowly to take advantage.

South Africa, looking out of sorts from the kick-off, made unadventurous forays into the host's half and, when chances did present themselves, they were passed over.

The most notable was a 75th minute effort from the substitute Delron Buckley, who volleyed a loose ball goalwards only for Mali's German-based defender Boubacar Diarra to clear it off the line.

Mali now return to their capital Bamako on Thursday, where they face either the defending champions Cameroon or Egypt. They may, however, have to do without Touré, who was injured in a pitch invasion after the match.