Bafana to face Mali in quarters

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana will play Mali in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the conclusion of Group B on Monday evening.

The Eagles drew their final pool match against Democratic Republic of Congo at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban with striker Mamadou Samassa’s 14th minute strike cancelling out a third minute Dieumerci Mbokani penalty as the sides drew 1-1.

It meant that the Malians ended second in their section and will now play the hosts at the same venue on Saturday evening with kick-off at 20:30.

South Africa, who last reached the AFCON knock-out stages at the 2002 tournament in Mali, ended as Group A winners on Sunday when they clinched a thrilling 2-2 draw against Morocco.

Debutants Cape Verde finished second in the group after a 2-1 win over Angola, also on Sunday, and will play Group B winners Ghana, 3-0 winners over Niger to secure top-spot, in Port Elizabeth in the next round.

DR Congo and Niger joined the Moroccans and Angolans as the next teams to be eliminated from the competition.

AFCON results on Monday night:

Ghana 3-0 Niger

Mali 1-1 Democratic Republic of Congo