JOHANNESBURG, Feb 3: Mali crushed host South Africa’s dreams and Ghana ended debutants Cape Verde’s remarkable adventure in the first batch of Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Saturday.

Mali, seeking their first Nations Cup title, kept their hopes alive by beating South Africa 3-1 on penalties, after the match finished 1-1 at the end of extra-time, while Ghana, aiming for a long-awaited fifth crown, beat Cape Verde 2-0.

Inspirational Mali captain Seydou Keita equalised in the 58th minute after Tokelo Rantie gave South Africa the early lead in front of 50,000 at the Moses Madhiba Stadium in Durban.

Goalkeeper Soumaila Diakite then saved two penalties and watched another go flying past his post to see the Malians through and again give their troubled country hope of a morale boosting first ever African Cup title.

“This victory means a lot to everyone in Mali,” Keita said, with his nation’s flag wrapped around him. “This is an emotional moment for me and this team. We did our job today ... we fought hard.”

Earlier, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth, Ghana substitute Mubarak Wakaso put the Black Stars into a 54th-minute lead when he fired home a penalty after skipper Asamoah Gyan was fouled inside the box by Carlitos.

Wakaso doubled Ghana’s advantage in stoppage time when he ran half the length of the pitch to slot home after Cape Verde committed every player, including goalkeeper Vozinha, upfield for a corner.

“Our first-half was okay, but the second half was not one of our best games,” admitted Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah.

“Cape Verde dominated in the second-half, but the important thing is that we won and are through to the semi-finals. Cape Verde proved me right that they would be tough.”

Ghana will meet the winners of Sunday’s clash between Togo and Burkina Faso in next Wednesday’s semi-final in Nelspruit while Mali will play either tournament favourites Ivory Coast or Nigeria in the last four in Durban on the same night.—Agencies