Ghana have set up a cracking Afcon final with the Elephants of Ivory Coast after seeing off a thoroughly inexperienced Equatorial Guinean side by three goals to nil in a tension-filled, emotionally-charged semi-final in Malabo.

A  cheeky Jordan Ayew penalty and an even sensational finish by Wakaso in the first half looked to have ended the fairy tale run of the host who gave everything but discipline.

And when Dede Ayew poked home from close range in the second half the Equato-Guinean dream was all over.

Not even a field invasion by some disgruntled fans which held play for close to 20 minutes would bring back that dream of playing in their first AFCON final.

If anything, it brought a bizarre twist to an otherwise sensational tournament which was nearly called-off after initial fears of Ebola.

For a host that qualified on the back of some controversial decision, especially in the quarter final clash against Tunisia, so much was expected from the referee.  

Eric Otogo from Gabon had more than just a football match to officiate. He had quarrels to settle too, far too many for a football match.

Every decision, especially against the host, was met with fury with Iban Edu leading the tale of dissent for most part.

And when the host had had just enough of the humiliation on the field of play their fans  turned to violence, hurling bottles and any other thing they could lay hands on at the Ghana team and officials.

Helicopters flew high up, lurking and waiting to rescue the players who had become redundant, some of whom were begging the fans to leave.

Part of the pitch had been reduced to a landfill and after about 20 minutes of begging, intervention by caf officials the game continued with nothing to play for than just to while away the time.

The bizarre incidents notwithstanding, the game was absolutely enthralling with lots of end-to-end action and more chances to waste.

The Nzalang Nacional each had a V8 and one million dollars promise to take home if they beat Ghana and they were determined so to do.

But there is a limitation to what determination can do. The Stars were worlds apart in skill, experience and class and they brought it to bear in full throttle.

Ghana could have won by a wider margin but for some wasted efforts by Kwasi Appiah and Dede Ayew.

It was Jordan Ayew who started the demolition exercise with a penalty taken with such arrogance and dexterity.

The former Marseille striker virtually passed the ball into the net in the 40th minute after Kwasi Appiah was brought down by Ovono in post for the host.

 Three minutes later, Wakaso added his name to the scoring sheet when he struck low and hard to beat Ovono. His first touch to an immaculate Atsu pass was stupendous and the finish, clinical.

Back from recess it was the Stars who looked like increasing the tally but Dede Ayew's header from close range missed the post in the 54th minute before Appiah fluffed a one-on-one situation  ten minutes later.

Edu who had won himself a shameful reputation of being more of a rebel than a player had a chance to reduce the tally but his shot went wide.

Ghana's keeper Razak Braimah was on holiday for most part and had more activity to do during the 20 minutes when the game was suspended than the 90 minutes when the game was on.

The humbled host would now settle for third place game against DR Congo whilst Ghana play Ivory Coast in a repeat of the historic 1992 final which saw the Elephants lifting the trophy after 20 penalty kicks.