Burkinabe shock Ghana to reach first ever Afcon final

Ghana's Mubarak Wakaso shoots to score the opening goal from the penalty spot against Burkina Faso during their Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match at the Mbombela stadium in Nelspruit on Wednesday (February 6 2013). Picture: Armando Franca/AP

Burkina Faso, the surprise package of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, will play the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the final at the National Stadium on Sunday night.

The Stallions deservedly beat favourites Ghana 3-2 on penalties after the sides were level 1-1 after extra time in a major upset in their semifinal played at Mbombela Stadium.

It is the the first time the Stallions have reached an Afcon final.

The Black Stars were “gifted” a soft penalty by Tunisian referee Slim Jdidi in the 12th minute when Burkina Faso defender Mady Panandetiguiri was adjudged to have pulled down Christian Atsu.

Mubarak Wakaso made no mistake from the spot to put Ghana 1-0 ahead.

The standard of refereeing at the tournament has been consistently poor and tonight was no different. But to the credit of both teams, they dished up an entertaining clash.

Burkina Faso keeper Daouda Diakite pulled off a great save from Black Stars skipper Asamoah Gyan on the half hour mark.

After the break Aristide Bance had a shot stopped on the goalline by keeper Daniel Adjei in the 53rd minute. Then Gyan hit the post five minutes later.

Bance levelled the match with a well take goal in the 60th minute and the game went into extra time.

Prejuce Nakoulma had a goal disallowed in the 105th minute for a foul on Adjei.

Bance, a real threat throughout, watched in agony as his shot in the 112th minute was cleared off the line by Harrison Afful.

But tragedy struck the Stallions in the 117th minute when Jonathan Pitroipa was set off for a second bookable offence.

He will be suspended for the final.

- Billy Cooper