Zambia shock Ghana to romp into Nations Cup final

A solo second half goal by Emmanuel Mayuka was enough to see Zambia through to the Africa Cup of Nations against favourites Ghana Wednesday evening.

The match in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, was characterised by high drama, with Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan missing a penalty in the 7th minute.

That miss proved vital after Mayuka swivelled to place the ball beyond the diving Ghanaian keeper.

Zambia however had to withstand a Ghanaian siege in the last minutes as the Black Stars, champions in 1982, fought to stay in the tournament.

A red card to Ghana's Derek Boateng in the dying minutes did little to lessen the pressure before a miss by Prince Tagoe ended the Star's tournament.

The shock win means Zambia will meet favourites Cote d'Ivoire in Sundays final. It is Chipolopolo's first final since 1994 and comes 19 years after a plane carrying Zambia's national team crashed after takeoff from Libreville.

The final will be in Gabon.