Ghana, Mali scrape through to African Cup semis

By Gerald Imray

Associated Press

Published: Sunday, Feb. 5 2012 4:36 p.m. MST

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Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba, left, and his wife Sylvia Najma Bongo wearing the Yellow jersey of the Panthers react during their African Cup of Nations quarter final soccer match Gabon vs Mali at Stade De L'Amitie in Libreville, Gabon, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012.

Francois Mori, Associated Press

Summary

Ghana and Mali scraped through to the African Cup of Nations semifinals on Sunday, as Tunisia and Gabon fell in agonizing fashion.

FRANCEVILLE, Gabon — Ghana and Mali scraped through to the African Cup of Nations semifinals on Sunday, as Tunisia and Gabon fell in agonizing fashion.

Ghana beat Tunisia 2-1 in extra time after goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi's blunder gifted the Black Stars a 101st-minute winner in a tense, bad tempered quarterfinal at Stade de Franceville.

Mali beat co-host Gabon 5-4 in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinal in Libreville after they were level at 1-1 following 120 minutes.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Gabon's scoring hero of the group stage, missed the decisive spot kick and dissolved into tears in the middle of a huddle of players as the home team's tournament ended in bitter disappointment.

Ghana faces Zambia and Mali plays Ivory Coast in Wednesday's semifinals.

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