Mali have progressed to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations along with Ghana, following their 2-1 win over Botswana.
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The Black Stars, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with Guinea, but still ended top of a very competitive Group D.
Despite being second best for much of the tie, the Zebras took the lead through Mogakolodi Ngele in the 51st minute with an emphatic left-foot finish.
Mali were soon level pegging though as Garra Dembele equalised just six minutes later. And Seydou Keita ensured his side's progression with a neat finish on 75 minutes.
The Eagles started the brighter of the two sides with Botswana keeper Modiri Marumo seeing a lot of the ball early on although he made two comfortable saves from looping balls into the box.
Left winger Modibo Maiga proved a constant thorn in the Zebras side with his impressive running and pin-point crossing but to real no end product as a well organised defence managed to stifle a very mobile Mali frontline.
Tshepo Motlhabankwe was forced to try his luck from distance for Botswana with his 17th minute effort flying high and wide of Oumar Sissoko's goal.
Lemponye Tshireletso then hit the side netting in a rare effort from inside the box for Botswana before a succession of off-target Bakaye Traore efforts.
A renewed Botswana emerged for the second half and they were soon celebrating a well-taken goal as Ngele side-footed the ball into the back of the net with his left foot after latching on to a great cross from the right-hand side from Moemedi Moatlhaping.
The lead was short lived though as Dembele restored parity from close range for Mali.
Maiga forced Marumo into a super save as he headed the ball on target from Traore's left-wing cross but he was powerless to deny Dembele, who smashed the ball home from just outside the Botswana small box.
Ousmane Coulibaly made an immediate impact from the bench when he smashed the ball against the crossbar after a marauding run but it was another substitute whose impact was even more acutely felt. Cheick Diabate slid the ball into Keita's path following a neat-one two with the goalscorer, who then curled a superb shot past the outstretched Marumo and into the goal.
Botswana substitute Phenyo Mongala ensured there were some nervous moments right at the end of the tie for Mali but in the end he was unable to effect the scoreline.
And after watching the last few minutes of the Ghana tie on the big screen in Libreville, Mali were able to celebrate a famous victory and well deserved qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Mali face Gabon in their last eight match with Ghana set to face Tunisia.
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