Mali qualifies for quarterfinals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations

Mali joined Group D winners Ghana in the quarterfinals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations after second half goals from Garra Dembele and Seydou Keita handed them a 2-1 win over Botswana in Libreville.
The Eagles had to come from behind after Mogakolodi Ngele had put the Zebras into a shock lead early in the second half, but the combination of their win and the draw between Ghana and Guinea was enough to clinch a place in the knockout rounds.
The pattern of the match was set early on, with Mali dominating possession but finding it difficult to break down a Botswana team that defended deep and in numbers.
The Eagles had numerous chances to test the Southern African side’s defence from set pieces, but they were unable to really create any clear chances to get at goalkeeper Modiri Marumo.
The Zebras may have ‘parked the bus’ but they still created the best chance of the first half on 21 minutes, with a clever back-heel from Ndiapo Letsholathebe putting Lemponye Tshireletso in on goal only for the attacker to slice his effort wide of the near post.
Other than that opportunity, it was all Mali. The West Africans tried to mix up their play, using quick passing, wing play or even long balls to try and find a weakness in Botswana’s backline, but the Zebras weren’t budging.
Five minutes after the restart, Botswana went into a surprise lead. Moemedi Moatlhaping played a fine low cross into the box and Ngele arrived seemingly from nowhere to sidefoot the ball home.
Yet the Zebras’ lead lasted just six minutes. Abdou Traore picked out Modibo Maiga with a good cross, the striker’s header was palmed away by Marumo, but Dembele was on hand to fire the loose ball into the back of the net.
With just over 20 minutes to play, Mali almost went ahead when substitute Ousmane Coulibaly hit the crossbar after a brilliant solo run, while Maiga was unable to latch onto the rebound.
But on 74 minutes, Mali surged ahead when Keita swept home a beautiful shot from just outside the penalty area.
The Eagles had to wait until news of Ghana’s draw with Guinea filtered through to Libreville, but when it came they duly celebrated a deserved qualification for the last eight, where they will take on Group C winners and co-hosts Gabon.