Zambia have caused a shock at the African Cup of Nations by knocking out Ghana and advancing through to the final of the competition.

Favourites Ghana controlled large parts of this semi-final, but they were unable to find a way past Kennedy Mweene in the Zambia goal.

Mweene was called into action as early as the eighth minute from the penalty spot. The keeper guessed correctly to turn Asamoah Gyan's low effort wide of goal.

Ghana's Jordan Ayew had the goal at his mercy as the half drew to a close but he was unable to get a firm contact on a cross from his brother Dede.

Goran Stevanovic's Ghana continued to dominate after the restart, but both Gyan and Dede Ayew were thwarted by Mweene.

The winning goal arrived 12 minutes time. Having soaked up large amounts of pressure, Zambia broke clear which resulted in substitute Emmanuel Mayuka curling the ball beyond the reach of Adam Kwarasey in the Ghana goal. It was Mayuka's third goal of the tournament.

Ghana searched for an equaliser, but their cause was not helped by a red card to midfielder Derek Boateng for a second foul of the match.

Defender Samuel Inkoom had Ghana's last chance in stoppage time, but his close range effort was pushed over by Mweene.

Zambia will take on either the Ivory Coast or Mali in Sunday's final.