Ghana, Ivory Coast one step away from dream final

[caption id="attachment_66692" align="alignright" width="254"] FRESH ASSET: Zambian Mwape Musonda has linked up with Orlando Pirates Picture: BACKPAGEPIX -[/caption]

Neighbours Ghana and Ivory Coast start as overwhelming favourites to set up a mouthwatering African Nations Cup final – but must first get past semifinal opponents who have exceeded expectations.

Ivory Coast take on Democratic Republic of Congo in the first semi in Bata today, followed tomorrow by Ghana’s meeting with hosts Equatorial Guinea in Malabo.

Ghana and the Ivorians boast heavyweight squads, in terms of experience, ability and profile, plus a pedigree that makes them hot favourites for Sunday’s final in Bata.

It is Ghana’s fifth successive appearance in the last four while the Ivorians have reached the semifinals four times in the last six tournaments.

But both ties will be anything but routine assignments.

 – Reuters