PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP):

Cape Verde joined host South Africa in the quarterfinals of the African Cup of Nations yesterday after the small island nation scored two late goals to secure advancement in its first appearance in the tournament.

Cape Verde netted an injury-time winner through Heldon Ramos to come from behind and advance with a 2-1 victory over Angola, preventing the Angolans from stealing through from last place in the group.

Siyabonga Sangweni's 87th-minute equaliser kept alive the nervous home team as South Africa twice came from behind in a 2-2 draw with Morocco, avoiding an early elimination and knocking out the disappointed Moroccans.

South Africa finished top of the group on goal difference and Cape Verde was second, with Ramos' powerful shot prolonging their entertaining stay at their first major tournament.

South Africa sighed with relief, while Cape Verde erupted with joy after continuing to overachieve on its first visit to the Cup of Nations.