Black Stars of Ghana lost to Chipolopolo of Zambia in the 28th Orange Africa Cup of Nation semi-finals yesterday at the Estadio de Bata.  The Black Stars started the game on a brighter note as they kept the ball and pushed the Zambians to the third quarter of the field, Algerian Referee, Bennouza awarded a penalty for Black Stars at the 6th minute from a strong challenge on midfielder, Kwadwo Asamoah in the penalty box.

Luck eluded Asamoah Gyan, Black Stars striker, as his kick was palm away to safety by Zambian goalie, Kennedy Mweenu in the 7th minute of the game.

The Ghanaians kept the pressure on the Zambians creating lots of chances and number of set pieces but was unable to utilised any of the numerous opportunities in the first half.

Captain for the Black Stars, John Mensah, came out for Isaac Vorsah in the 70th minute due to injury problems. Striker Prince Tagoe came on for Asamoah Gyan in the 72nd minute but could not yield any result.

Substitute Mayuka scored the only goal of the match for the Zambians in the 78th minute to book their place in the finals.

Midfielder Derek Boateng was shown the exit at the 70th minute for second booking making Ghana finished with 10 men.

In the other semi-final match Ivory Coast defeated Mali by a lone goal to qualify for the finals.

Gervinho settled a tight game on the stroke of half-time as he ran unimpeded from the halfway line to curl home the match-winner from close range.

Ivory Coast will meet Zambia on Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final after beating Mali 1-0 in Libreville.

Ghana plays Mali for the third and fourth positions.

Source: ISD (James Ankomah Hackman)

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