"I play for peace in Mali" says Keita

Mali captain Seydou Keita is proud that his side's continued success at the Africa Cup of Nations can bring some comfort to his suffering country.

Keita wore a T-shirt with the words "Peace for Mali" embossed on it when he collected his man-of-the-match award after the Eagles' first game of the tournament and he has spoken since about his desire to see peace restored over the war in his beloved country.

The 33-year-old then draped his country's flag over shoulders when addressing the media following his team's penalty shoot-out win over South Africa on Saturday.

"Our win ensures that Mali can hold their heads high. They will all be celebrating and for us to provide the joy is an honour," the talismanic midfielder said.

"I'm wearing the flag that is flying in the north now as proudly as it is flying in the south," he said in a reference to towns recaptured in recent days.

"It has been as important for us to win for the people as it has been for ourselves."