The African nations were locked at 1-1 after extra-time in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa started the game with midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane replacing striker Katlego Mphela, to protect the hosts’ defence, which was not as loose as it was against Morocco.
The stronger midfield was used to counter a strong Mali selection that included the likes of Mohamed Sissoko and Seydou Keita.
The latter showed his quality with a magnificently controlled snap-shot in the seventh minute, that buzzed slightly over the bar.
South Africa’s Mahlangu made a powerful run down the left in the 11th minute, pulling it back for Letsholonyane, who should have struck it sooner, but by the time he delayed and laid it off for Parker, the Mali defence had already closed the gap.
Letsholonyane was again in the thick of the action, playing it through for Rantie but Mali’s defender, Tamboura, tracked back and made the challenge.
Nearly a carbon copy of that move, Mahlangu produced a beautiful through ball for Rantie who outpaced the Mali defence.
Attempting to flick it over the keeper Diakite, there just was not enough space as he was closed down.
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