GROUP DGhana 1-1 GuineaBotswana 1-2 Mali SEYDOU Keita scored 15 minutes from time as Mali came from behind to beat Botswana 2-1 to advance to the last eight of the African Nations Cup.

Mali finished second in Group D, behind Ghana, to set up a quarter-final meeting with co-hosts Gabon in Libreville on Sunday.

Mali proved unconvincing in the match, watched by a 5 000 crowd, but Guinea’s failure to beat Ghana in the other group game in Franceville ensured their progress.

Botswana scored first against the run of play with a sweeping move out of their midfield, started and finished by Mogakolodi Ngele in the 51st minute.

But Mali’s pressure paid off six minutes later with Abdou Traore turning the defence before providing a cross that Modibo Maiga forcefully headed goal ward. Botswana goalkeeper Modiri Marumo could only parry it right to Garra Dembele who hammered home from close range.

Keita’s goal was set up by his persistence on the edge of the penalty area as he probed an opening and then got a return pass from Cheick Tidiane Diabate to perfectly place the ball into the roof of the net.