Burkina Faso defeated Ghana in the semi-final of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations by the score of 3-2 in the penalty shootout.
Ghana entered the match as the favorite to win the tournament and did not disappoint in the early going. A 13th minute goal off a penalty shot from Mubarak Wakaso made it look like Ghana would cruise through the match. The team dominated most of the first half and came close to extending the lead early in the second half. However, Aristide Bancé scored in the 60th minute to tie the score for Burkina Faso. After the goal, most of the moment went in favor of Burkina Faso. Bance had a prime chance to give Burkina Faso the victory in extra time, but his shot was blocked off the line by Ghana defender.
In the shootout, Ghana missed their first shot but the teams were tied after three shooters. Ghana missed its fourth shot and set up a prime opportunity for Burkina Faso to take over the game. Eventually, Burkina Faso won the match after Ghana failed on its final shot.
With the loss, Ghana now heads to the third place match for the fourth time in the country's history. Ghana won the bronze back in 2008, but lost it in 1996 and in last year's tournament.
With the victory, Burkina Faso will play in its first final ever in this tournament. They will face off against Nigeria; a team they drew 1-1 against in the group stage. In that match Emmanuel Emenike gave Nigeria a 1-0 lead, but Alain Traoré tied the score in the fourth minute of stoppage.
Nigeria defeated Mali 4-1 earlier in the day. Elderson and Brown Ideye scored five minutes apart to open up a 2-0 lead before Mali's Mohamed Sissoko added an own goal to give Nigeria a 3-0 lead heading into halftime. Nigeria's Ahmed Musaab extended the lead in the 60th minute while Cheick Mady Diarra tallied for Mali in the 75th minute.