The stage is now set for the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2013, where the Super Eagles of Nigeria, will come up against Burkina Faso – a repeat of their opening game in Group C.
Stephen Keshi’s men, put up a dazzling performance to brush aside the Malians in the first semi-final, with Emenike, Ideye, Echiejile and Musa finding the back of the net, in a 4-1 win.
In the second semi-final, Mubarak Wakaso scored from the spot to give Ghana the lead, before Aristide Bance levelled up in the second half. It was a game that was completely dominated by the Burkina Babes, who missed several glaring chances.
Poor officiating stretched the game into extra time and penalties – the Tunisian referee incorrectly chalked off a second goal and sent off Pitriopa for a dive that never was.
In the end, Ghana missed three times in the penalty shoot-out, and Burkina Faso won 3-2 on penalties, to qualify for their first ever AFCON final.
When both countries met the first time, Nigeria threw away a one-goal lead in the last minute of the game, with the now injured Alain Traore, scoring the equaliser. It promises to be a different ball game on Sunday, as the Super Eagles have discovered their fluency in attack and co-ordination in defence. Burkina Faso, on the other hand, will be up for it, as they try to win the continental tournament, in their first appearance in the final.
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