Mali had to wait an anxious five minutes after their 2-1 win over Botswana on Wednesday before they were confirmed as African Nations Cup quarter-finalists.
Their progress had depended on Guinea not beating Ghana in the other Group D game in Franceville, but extra time minutes at the end of that match meant Mali had to stand around and wait nervously before they embarked on furious celebrations.
They finished second on six points behind Ghana who had seven. Guinea managed four and go home.
Mali now meet Gabon in the first of Sunday's two quarter-final games.
Seydou Keita proved their saviour with the winner in the 75th minute as they come from behind to win.
It was a difficult game for 'Les Aigles' against a feisty Zebras side, who depart their first Nations Cup without any points.
Mali almost immediately imposed themselves on the game as Keita provided an inviting ball for Garra Dembele, who went well wide with a close-in effort in the sixth minute.
Mali then had a good free kick chance within 60 seconds but wasted that too.
Botswana made their first significant entry into the Mali half only after the first quarter-hour and a loose ball saw Tsepo Motlhabankwe hit a fearsome long-range shot that sailed narrowly over the Mali crossbar.
In the 20th minute, a smart back heel pass from Ndiaypo Letsholothebe put winger Lemponye Tshireletso in but he hurried his goal and hit the side netting.
Botswana scored first against the run of play with a sweeping move out of their midfield started and finished by Mogakolodi Ngele in the 51st minute.
He played a pass out wide and delayed his run into Mali's penalty box to arrive at the right moment and sweep the return ball home.
But Mali's pressure paid off six minutes later with Abdou Traore turning the defence before providing a cross that Modibo Maiga forcefully headed goalward. Botswana goalkeeper Modiri Marumo could only parry it right to Garra Dembele who hammered home from close range.
Keita's goal was set up by his persistence on the edge of the penalty area as he probed an opening and then got a return pass from Cheick Tidiane Diabate to place the ball perfectly into the roof of the net.
