Mali beat South Africa 3-1 on penalties in Durban on Saturday night to progress to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

© AP Photos

The match started brightly and Bernard Parker of South Africa had the first strike at goal, but his effort was blocked before Seydou Keita fired wide at the other end.

Tokelo Rantie and Parker were both unable to find a way through the Mali defence on 25 minutes but the former did finally break the deadlock.

© AP Photos

Rantie latched on to a Thuso Phala assist to give the hosts a 30th-minute lead.

In the 60th minute Mali were back on level terms as Keita got in front of his marker to head in the equaliser.

Mamadou Samassa then shot wide as Mali looked to finish the game in normal time.

In extra time South Africa looked the most likely to win, with May Mahlangu putting over a good chance.

However, despite another effort from Siphiwe Tshabalala going wide, the game went to penalties.

Penalty misses from Dean Furman, Mahlangu and Rantie saw the Malians run out 3-1 winners in the shootout as Cheick Tidiane Diabate, Adama Tamboura and Mahamane El Hadji Traore converted for Alain Giresse's side.