The tournament hosts face the Black Stars on Thursday looking to put their recent controversy behind them and reach a first final.

Equatorial Guinea hope to continue their fairytale journey at the Africa Cup of Nations by beating Ghana to reach Sunday's final.

The hosts were a late entrant this year after agreeing to host the tournament in place of Morocco following the Ebola outbreak, and in only their second appearance they are just one game away from a first final.

Progression has not been without its controversy, though, with their quarter-final win over Tunisia still a hot topic.

Having converted a controversial penalty in the final minute of normal time in Bata, Equatorial Guinea went on to secure a 2-1 win thanks to Javier Balboa's second goal of the night after 102 minutes.

Referee Rajindraparsad Seechurn was confronted after the final whistle by Tunisia's players and technical staff, and the official has been suspended for six months for "poor performance" and delisted from the Confederation of African Football's elite panel.

Head coach Esteban Becker is keen to move on from the controversy, and hopes his side can continue their impressive form to qualify for the final.

"Each game is a different story," he said. "Ghana is coming now. We are just thinking on winning the game because we want to carry on making history. We are happy but we want something else

"A month ago this team didn't have history, these players believe in something special now.

"Not in good luck, also in the work they have to do. They believe in how they have to attack and how they have to defence. Just live every single moment of the football game."

While Equatorial Guinea are new to the pressures of a semi-final, things are very different for four-time winners Ghana.

The west African nation have reached this stage 12 times before – including the last four tournaments – but have not lifted the trophy since 1982.

Avram Grant has provided new defensive strength since taking charge in November, two months after former coach Kwesi Appiah was relieved of his position folllowing a disappointing World Cup.

Ghana have only conceded three goals so far, although they have struggled to exert their dominance in attack, which has led to criticism.

Grant has been quick to defend his forwards, though, particularly Lorient's Jordan Ayew.

"Jordan Ayew is a very good player and am sure he will give a lot to the national team in the future," said Grant. "You can't stop people from talking. It's normal for people to speak about the players.

"People can speak about the mistakes they make but they need to respect the players and not to hang the players for their mistakes. Because these players giving everything to the national team."

Thursday's clash will be the first meeting between the two nations, with either the Ivory Coast or Democratic Republic of Congo waiting in the final.

http://www.goal.com/en-za/match/ghana-vs-equatorial-guinea/1994095?ICID=FX

mukina please what time is [size=30pt]ARSENAL[/size]VS CHELSEA

It looks like Ivory Coast and Ghana will play the finals.

The battle Of Juju between Ghana & EQ. I really want Ghana to be in the final but to the smell the cup but not to win.


Hello Mukina

Up Accra, we winning...

Super Eagles go win am.

I see IVORY COAST vs GHANA finals.......

in contrary to wht dis guy wrote above
what time is [/b][CHELSEA/b] vs b]arsenal[[b]

What time is Super Eagles Match...

Hating prejudice since 1900, so Ghana all the way.

Ghana must win

The trophy must remain in west africa is our time to shine

DOES ANYONE STILL WATCH AFRICAN MATCH?

FOR1234:
DOES ANYONE STILL WATCH AFRICAN MATCH?

yes, I do. I watched it 6 years ago!

Ghana 6 - EQ 0

Abeg when will Nigeria play Will they get to the finals

endymetrix:
Abeg when will Nigeria play Will they get to the finals

lol...they are already in the final.

Good One match on.

AFCON!!!

Ghana for the cup.

Wale112:
Ghana 6 - EQ 0

u are in for surprises.

Estimable:
I see IVORY COAST vs GHANA finals.......

EQ for final

Segadem:
u are in for surprises.

typical nigerian mentality..side effects of Generator fumes

If ghana wins, its going to be a bloody final

Wale112:



typical nigerian mentality..side effects of Generator fumes

Pls accept d bitter truth. Your so called black stars players should be more of wrestlers than footballers, at least one of them will get a red card tonight. Bookmark this comment.

fattybombom:
Pls accept d bitter truth. Your so called black stars players should be more of wrestlers than footballers, at least one of them will get a red card tonight. Bookmark this comment.

See what inhaling generator fumes for so many years has caused? Fuuuuucking Eba eater

This Afcon is seriously making sense unlike d previous ones, der is something abt it I just love.

Khin:
It looks like Ivory Coast and Ghana will play the finals.

yes I had the same feeling and Ivory Coast will eventually emerged champion.

ozoigbondu:
Ghana must win

The trophy must remain in south africa is our time to shine

Is Ghana in south Africa? Visit your Atlas.
The last time I checked mine, Ghana is in west Africa.

ekhai:
yes I had the same feeling and Ivory Coast will eventually emerged champion.

I hope not. Ghana deserves it more than Ivory Coast. They have been to the Semis 5 straight conservative times !!!