Libreville, Gabon - Mali beats Gabon 5-4 on penalties, reaches semi. The 2012 Africa Cup of Nation's co-host Gabon was eliminated from the tournament on Sunday, after losing 5-4 to Mali on penalties in Libreville.

Both teams had deadlocked 1-1 after full and extra time play in their epic encounter.

Gabon scored first through Eric Mouloungui in the 55th minute, while Mali drew level in the 84th through Cheick Diabate.

It was the first time the senior teams of both nations were meeting at a competitive level, even though they had played many international friendlies.

With the elimination of Gabon, the two co-hosts of the 2012 tournament have now been kicked out of the competition, after Equatorial Guinea fell to Cote d'Ivoire in their quarter-final encounter on Saturday

Mali will now meet Cote d'Ivoire in one of the two semi-final matches slated for Wednesday.

Pana 05/02/2012