The semifinals of the 29th Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) took place on Wednesday (February 6 2013) evening with Nigeria trouncing Mali and Burkina Faso stunning favourites Ghana on penalties. Above: Modibo Maiga of Mali and Nigeria’s Elderson Echiejile compete for the ball at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. Picture: Sabelo Mngoma/BackpagePix

Nigeria put on a world-class performance worthy of a semifinal. Picture: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix

Nigeria’s Ejike Uzoenyi (left) vies for the ball against Mali’s Adama Tamboura. The Super Eagles thrashed Mali 4-1. Picture: Mike Hutchings/Reuters

The Super Eagles’ substitute, Ahmed Musa, celebrates with Efe Ambrose after the former extended the lead in the 60th minute. Nigeria booked a place in the finals on Sunday evening at the National Stadium. Picture: Sabelo Mngoma/BackpagePix

Momo Sissoko of Mali reacts with disappointment. Mali will now play in the third- and fourth-place playoff on Saturday against Ghana. Picture: Chris Ricco/Backpagepix

Mubarak Wakaso of Ghana (left) and Mohamed Koffi of Burkina Faso. The two teams’ semifinal match was played at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. Picture: Barry Aldworth/BackpagePix

Defender Mady Panandetiguiri of Burkina Faso and Harrison Afful of Ghana. The match ended 1-1 in 120 minutes and was decided on penalties. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

The Stallions of Burkina Faso beat Ghana 3-2 on penalties after the two sides were level 1-1 after extra time. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

A disappointed Ghana coach, James Appiah, after the penalty shootout. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

It is the first time that the Burkina Faso reached an Afcon final. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix