South Africa will be looking to book their place in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals when they take on Mali on Saturday evening.
Bafana Bafana earned their place in the quarter-finals as winners of Group A following their 2-2 draw against Morocco in the final group clash on Sunday.
That result was enough to leave Gordon Igesund’s men top of the standings, setting up a last-eight encounter against Mali, who finished as runners-up in Group B.
The Eagles confirmed their passage to the first knock-out stage after coming back to draw against Angola in their final group clash, finishing three points behind Ghana, and just one above the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The last time the two sides met was at the same stage in the 2002 showpiece, with Mali coming out on top of that one with a 2-0 victory.
On the team front, Bafana are set to bring Siboniso Gaxa into the defence as Anele Ngcongca is unable to play through suspension.
The big question will again be who Igesund employs up front, with Bernard Parker, Tokelo Rantie, Katlego Mphela and Lehlohonolo Majoro all hoping to get the nod.
South Africa will also be looking to replicate their AFCON 1996 success, when they won the tournament while also playing on home soil.
Mali, meanwhile, have a full squad to choose from, with captain Seydou Keita set to make his 74 international appearance for the side.
Probable Line-Ups
South Africa
Khune
Masilela, Khumalo, Sangweni, Gaxa
Phala, Furman, Mahlangu, Parker
Mphela, Majoro
Mali
Samassa
Coulibaly, Tamboura, Diawara, Traore
Traore, Sissoko,Keita,
Diabate, Maiga, Diarra
Did You Know?
South Africa and Mali have only played each other on one previous occasion, with Mali the victor in the quarter-final of the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mali captain Seydou Keita will be playing in his 74th international match for Mali. He has scored 20 goals for the Eagles throughout his career.
South African coach Gordon Igesund believes his side will be playing without any pressure on Saturday, as they have achieved their initial goal of qualifying from the group stages.
The last time Bafana Bafana reached the quarter-final stage of the Afcon was in 2002 against the same opponents.
Mali finished in third place during the 2012 Afcon and will be hoping to go one step further in South Africa.
