Zambia reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with a shock win over Ghana. A soft penalty was awarded to Ghana in the 7th minute and Mweene got down to his left to save Gyan's equally soft shot from the spot. Ghana paid the penalty in the 78th minute when Mayuka held off his marker just outside box and turned to score off the post. Five minutes later Ghana were reduced to 10 men when George Boateng was dismissed for a 2nd yellow card. (Zambia 1 Ghana 0)

A solo goal against Mali sent Ivory Coast into the final to meet Zambia. After only 6 minutes Drogba flicked his header onto the frame of the Mali goal and 10 minutes later Yaya Toure struck the upright with an angled shot from near the 6 yard box, but the deadlock was finally broken on the stroke of half time when Gervinho collected the ball on the half-way line and ran into the box to slot it into the far corner. The second-half produced very little to change the result and favourites were through to the final. (Ivory Coast 1 Mali 0)