Shock for Black Stars As Burkinabe Head for Afcon Final

Man of the match, Aristide Bance of Burkina Faso, scored one of his side's goals and one of their penalties in the shoot-out.

Nelspruit — Burkina Faso overcame a controversial refereeing decision and the odds to book an unlikely place in the African Nations Cup final after edging Ghana on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw in Wednesday’s semi-final at the Mbombela Stadium.
But their joy was tempered by a red card to influential attacker Jonathan Pitriopia that they say they will appeal in a bid to get it overturned.
He was sent off near the end of extra time for a second caution for an alleged dive in the penalty area and will miss the final unless Burkina Faso’s protest to the Confederation of African football proves successful.
Burkina Faso add had a soft penalty awarded against them as early as the 13th minute but came back from a goal down to hold Ghana to a 1-1 draw and then win 3-2 in the post-match shootout.
They will play in their first ever final, against Nigeria at Johannesburg’s Soccer City on Sunday.
Burkina Faso’s dream run include eliminating defending champions Zambia, finishing top of Group C and then beating Togo in extra time in Sunday’s quarter-final before Wednesday night’s triumph at the Mbombela Stadium.
In one of their the most thrilling matches at the tournament to date, the Burkinabe fought their way back and might have finished winners had it not be for some profligate shooting.