Ghana cruised into the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals on Monday by hammering Niger 3-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Mali joined them with a 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Durban.
Captain Asamoah Gyan, recalled Christian Atsu and defender John Boye scored for the Black Stars while Niger were furious that a legitimate early equaliser from Koffi Dan Kowa was disallowed in Port Elizabeth.
Former winners South Africa will now face 1972 runners-up Mali in the quarter-finals at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban Saturday.
Four time champions Ghana will tackle Cape Verde in the last 8 on the same day in Port Elizabeth.
