Africa Cup of Nations

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Africa Cup of Nations | Semi-Finals

Feb 5, 2015 at 7pm UK

Ghana
3-0
Eq Guinea Equatorial Guinea

Ayew (42' pen.), Mubarak (45'), Ayew (75')

FT(HT: 2-0)

Ghana cruise into final of Africa Cup of Nations

By Barney Corkhill, Editor

Published: February 5 2015 | 21:24

Last updated: February 6 2015 | 10:24

Ghana cruise in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations courtesy of a 3-0 victory over host nation Equatorial Guinea, although the match was marred by late crowd trouble.

Ghana cruised into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations courtesy of a 3-0 victory over hosts Equatorial Guinea in Malabo this evening, although the match was overshadowed by crowd trouble in the closing stages.

The Black Stars, who have not won the competition since 1982, will now face Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday, while Equatorial Guinea take on Congo DR in the third-place playoff on Saturday.

Ghana's midfielder Mubarak Wakaso celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2015 African Cup of Nations semi-final football match between Equatorial Guinea and Ghana in Malabo, on February 5, 2015 © Getty Images

It was the host nation that carved out the first clear chance of the match as Afriyie Acquah's mistake opened up an opportunity for Javier Balboa, but the winger could only steer his shot wide of the target.

Ghana began to come into the match as the first half progressed, however, and came close through Wakaso Mubarak before breaking the deadlock three minutes before half time.

The opener came from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Felipe Ovono had brought down Kwesi Appiah inside the box, allowing Jordan Ayew to step up and convert into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

The Black Stars were able to double their advantage before the break, getting a second in the space of four minutes at the end of the half as Andre Ayew and Christian Atsu combined to set up Wakaso, who kept his composure to slide the ball home for the 1,500th goal in the history of the tournament.

Andre Ayew had a chance of his own 10 minutes after the restart, only to nod the ball wide from six yards, while Appiah was denied by the feet of Ovono shortly afterwards.

The third goal eventually arrived 15 minutes from time, however, with Appiah acting as the provider this time, beating Ovono before playing a square ball across the face of goal for Andre Ayew to apply a simple finish.

Ghana's national football team players leave the pitch protected by riot police at the half-time of the 2015 African Cup of Nations semi-final football match between Equatorial Guinea and Ghana in Malabo, on February 5, 2015 © Getty Images

The match was marred by crowd trouble in the closing stages as the home fans appeared to throw missiles at the Ghanaian supporters, causing a lengthy delay in the game.

The referee eventually got proceedings back underway before blowing the final whistle a few minutes later as Ghana booked their spot in the final.