Seydou Keita's perseverance brought Mali a 1-0 win over Niger at the African Cup of Nations in Port Elizabeth last when the skipper pounced on a late goalkeeper mistake to give his troubled West African nation the first victory of the tournament.
The Group B match was heading for the fourth straight draw of the tournament before Keita buried a spilled cross from the Niger goalkeeper in the 84th minute.
In the earlier game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, DRCongo fought back from 2-goals down to draw 2-all with one of the favourites Ghana.
DRC got one back in the 53rd minute through Tresor Mputu.
In the 68th minute they leveled from the penalty spot via the dreadlocked Deumerci Mbokani.
