:update: Burkina Faso won in penalties 4-2 to Ghana
So in the final we have NIGERIA Vs BURKINA FASO
So in the final we have NIGERIA Vs BURKINA FASO
2013 Africa Cup of Nations
- Thread starter nightwanker
- Start date
Ghana & Burkina Faso 1-1...Burkina Faso eventually winning 3-2 on pens.
Burkina Faso in the final, unbelievable...I think their luck will run out against Nigeria.
Burkina Faso in the final, unbelievable...I think their luck will run out against Nigeria.
Nigeria hammer Mali to march into final
African Cup of Nations semi-final, Moses Mabhida Stadium – Mali 1 (Diarra 75) Nigeria 4 (Echiejele 25, Ideye 30, Emenike 44, Musa 60).
Nigeria marched into their first African Cup of Nations final since 2000 after a convincing 4-1 win over Mali in the first semi-final.
Goals from Elderson Echiejile, Brown Ideye, Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa gave the Super Eagles an unassailable lead before the hour mark, with Cheick Diarra netting a consolation for Mali.
It was not all good news for Nigeria through as livewire strikers Victor Moses and Emenike – who has scored four goals at these finals – both went off injured, although their substitutions were likely to have been precautionary.
Nigeria boss Stephen Keshi now faces the challenge of becoming the second man to win the African Cup of Nations both as a player and a coach, after Egypt’s late icon Mahmoud El-Gohary.
For a country with one of the highest numbers of professional players, Nigeria have underachieved in recent years.
But, after a slow start to these finals, Keshi has got them playing direct, organised football and – hugely importantly, as Côte d'Ivoire found out – as a team.
Mali started the match well enough as Molla Wague and Kalilou Traore headed wide from corners, but the Super Eagles grew into the match and were soon making all the running as Victor Moses in particular proved a nightmare for defenders.
The Chelsea forward – who only recently made his Nigeria debut, having been eligible for England – completely dominated his opposite number Adama Tamboura with a shimmy and a nutmeg before firing in a fantastic swerving cross that Echiejele stooped to head into the bottom right on 25 minutes.
Within five minutes it was 2-0, as Ideye improvised a clever flick after Emenike’s low cross landed just behind the Dynamo Kiev forward.
That effectively ended the match as a contest, as while Mali threw men forward, Nigeria defended well and utilised their superior pace to shred their opponents on the counter attack.
And, just before half-time, they added a third, although there was a huge element of fortune about Emenike’s free-kick, which took a heavy deflection off Momo Sissoko to leave Mamadou Samassa wrong-footed.
Mali did change things at half-time as rangy striker Cheick Diabate came on for Sissoko.
While they did create a chance as the strangely quiet Seydou Keita fired wide from 12 yards, Nigeria rubbed their noses in it when – just after coming on – substitute Musa ran on to Efe Ambrose’s fine pass to roll home a fourth.
Musa was enjoying himself, putting one effort wide and seeing another ruled out for offside after Ideye strayed.
The latter stages did see Nigeria appear to switch off slightly, Vincent Enyeama denying Samassa and Diabate with good saves and Diarra pulling one back after decent work from Diabate on the left.
Indeed, subs Diarra and Diabate looked more threatening in 20 minutes than their team-mates had all game, with Diarra putting two efforts off target after help from his strike partner.
But it was too little too late as Nigeria marched into their first African Cup of Nations final in 13 years, where they will face Burkina Faso.
African Cup of Nations semi-final, Moses Mabhida Stadium – Mali 1 (Diarra 75) Nigeria 4 (Echiejele 25, Ideye 30, Emenike 44, Musa 60).
Nigeria marched into their first African Cup of Nations final since 2000 after a convincing 4-1 win over Mali in the first semi-final.
Goals from Elderson Echiejile, Brown Ideye, Emmanuel Emenike and Ahmed Musa gave the Super Eagles an unassailable lead before the hour mark, with Cheick Diarra netting a consolation for Mali.
It was not all good news for Nigeria through as livewire strikers Victor Moses and Emenike – who has scored four goals at these finals – both went off injured, although their substitutions were likely to have been precautionary.
Nigeria boss Stephen Keshi now faces the challenge of becoming the second man to win the African Cup of Nations both as a player and a coach, after Egypt’s late icon Mahmoud El-Gohary.
For a country with one of the highest numbers of professional players, Nigeria have underachieved in recent years.
But, after a slow start to these finals, Keshi has got them playing direct, organised football and – hugely importantly, as Côte d'Ivoire found out – as a team.
Mali started the match well enough as Molla Wague and Kalilou Traore headed wide from corners, but the Super Eagles grew into the match and were soon making all the running as Victor Moses in particular proved a nightmare for defenders.
The Chelsea forward – who only recently made his Nigeria debut, having been eligible for England – completely dominated his opposite number Adama Tamboura with a shimmy and a nutmeg before firing in a fantastic swerving cross that Echiejele stooped to head into the bottom right on 25 minutes.
Within five minutes it was 2-0, as Ideye improvised a clever flick after Emenike’s low cross landed just behind the Dynamo Kiev forward.
That effectively ended the match as a contest, as while Mali threw men forward, Nigeria defended well and utilised their superior pace to shred their opponents on the counter attack.
And, just before half-time, they added a third, although there was a huge element of fortune about Emenike’s free-kick, which took a heavy deflection off Momo Sissoko to leave Mamadou Samassa wrong-footed.
Mali did change things at half-time as rangy striker Cheick Diabate came on for Sissoko.
While they did create a chance as the strangely quiet Seydou Keita fired wide from 12 yards, Nigeria rubbed their noses in it when – just after coming on – substitute Musa ran on to Efe Ambrose’s fine pass to roll home a fourth.
Musa was enjoying himself, putting one effort wide and seeing another ruled out for offside after Ideye strayed.
The latter stages did see Nigeria appear to switch off slightly, Vincent Enyeama denying Samassa and Diabate with good saves and Diarra pulling one back after decent work from Diabate on the left.
Indeed, subs Diarra and Diabate looked more threatening in 20 minutes than their team-mates had all game, with Diarra putting two efforts off target after help from his strike partner.
But it was too little too late as Nigeria marched into their first African Cup of Nations final in 13 years, where they will face Burkina Faso.
Burkina Faso shock Ghana to reach final after shoot-out
African Cup of Nations semi-final, Mbombela Stadium – Burkina Faso 1 (Bance 60) Ghana 1 (Wakaso 13 pen). Burkina Faso win 3-2 on penalties.
Minnows Burkina Faso overcame an embarrassing refereeing display to shock Ghana 3-2 on penalties to reach their first African Cup of Nations Final.
After a 1-1 draw in normal time, the Burkinabes dominated extra-time but could not find a breakthrough, with Jonathan Pitroipa incorrectly shown a second yellow card for diving. He will miss the final.
Burkina Faso won the shoot-out 3-2 to go one better than their semi-final appearance in 1998, when they were hosts.
CAF, a law unto themselves, could still overturn Pitroipa’s dismissal, but the rules state bookings can only be cancelled for mistaken identity.
Tunisian ref Slim Jdidi had awarded Ghana a soft penalty in the first half, which Mubarak Wakaso converted, having just rejected a Burkinabe penalty appeal with far greater merit.
He then disallowed Prejuce Nakoulma’s extra-time goal, deciding he had fouled John Boye in doing so.
The crowning glory came late in extra time, when Pitroipa was clearly tripped in the box by Boye, but Jdidi booked him for diving, before sending him off as he had already been carded.
In fairness to Ghana, they were also on the end of some odd decisions, such as that to only book Paul Koulibaly after he kicked Asamoah Gyan in the groin.
Burkina Faso ultimately should have won it in spite of the refereeing, with powerhouse striker Bance missing two good chances and seeing another cleared off the line by Harrison Afful.
However the Augsburg target man was a hero in the end as his cheeky ‘Panenka’ penalty proved to be the winner, with Douda Diakite brilliantly saving from Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu to send the Stallions into their first final.
It was an unusual if entertaining match, played on the now infamous rotten pitch at the Mbombela, effectively home advantage for Burkina Faso as they have played there throughout these finals.
Ghana, who were unconvincing in their quarter-final win over Cape Verde, were also not helped by the loss of two key players to injury. Full-back John Pantsil appeared to snap his hamstring on seven minutes, while Mohamed Rabiu picked up a knock late in the first half and was replaced after failing to run it off.
Despite having better possession and attacking with more frequency, Burkina Faso found themselves behind early on when Jdidi decided that Saidu Panandetiguiri had fouled Christian Atsu when they rose for a header. The full-back’s leap was mistimed, but he did not appear to significantly touch the Porto winger.
Wakaso converted for his fourth goal of the finals, three of which have come from the spot.
Both sides had chances, with Nakoulma twice going close while Gyan and Solomon Asante had decent efforts.
Meanwhile, the referee had denied both sides more obvious penalties when Pitroipa was shoved by Boye while Koulibaly seemed to foul Agyemang-Badu in the box.
The second half saw both create chances, as a towering Bance header hit the bar before Gyan hit the post after Atsu’s cross.
Burkina Faso were playing more positively and deserved to equalise when Bance rolled it home after a fantastic Charles Kabore through-ball.
With a quarter-of-an-hour left referee Jdid came into his own. Gyan sent a header inches wide when Koulibaly – who was hitting the deck after rising to challenge him – lashed out, kicking the ex-Sunderland striker in the genitals.
Either the referee saw it, or did not, meaning it was either a red, or nothing: he booked Koulibaly.
Extra-time saw Afful and Gyan go close for Ghana but Burkina Faso had the greater chances. Bakary Kone put a free header over the bar, Nakoulma saw one disallowed, Bance missed two good opportunities and was denied another by Afful’s remarkable goal-line block, while Koulibaly saw a shot saved by Abdul Fatawu Dauda.
On 116 minutes Pitroipa was chopped down just inside the box by Boye. Jdidi brandished yellow and then red cards as the former Hamburg winger trudged off to watch the remainder from the stands.
He kept his composure admirably, but could not contain his emotion, weeping after the shoot-out.
That saw Isaac Vorsah miss a candidate for worst penalty of the year, with Emmanuel Clottey putting his wide.
There was an element of justice when Koulibaly missed his, but Burkina Faso went back ahead when Bance impudently chipped the ball down the middle.
It fell to Agyemang-Badu, one of Ghana’s more celebrated players, but his kick was met by Diakite, who led the celebrations as Burkina Faso became the second outsider in two years to reach the final. Zambia won last time and, with in-form Nigeria waiting, Paul Put’s side have a huge task to emulate them.
African Cup of Nations semi-final, Mbombela Stadium – Burkina Faso 1 (Bance 60) Ghana 1 (Wakaso 13 pen). Burkina Faso win 3-2 on penalties.
Minnows Burkina Faso overcame an embarrassing refereeing display to shock Ghana 3-2 on penalties to reach their first African Cup of Nations Final.
After a 1-1 draw in normal time, the Burkinabes dominated extra-time but could not find a breakthrough, with Jonathan Pitroipa incorrectly shown a second yellow card for diving. He will miss the final.
Burkina Faso won the shoot-out 3-2 to go one better than their semi-final appearance in 1998, when they were hosts.
CAF, a law unto themselves, could still overturn Pitroipa’s dismissal, but the rules state bookings can only be cancelled for mistaken identity.
Tunisian ref Slim Jdidi had awarded Ghana a soft penalty in the first half, which Mubarak Wakaso converted, having just rejected a Burkinabe penalty appeal with far greater merit.
He then disallowed Prejuce Nakoulma’s extra-time goal, deciding he had fouled John Boye in doing so.
The crowning glory came late in extra time, when Pitroipa was clearly tripped in the box by Boye, but Jdidi booked him for diving, before sending him off as he had already been carded.
In fairness to Ghana, they were also on the end of some odd decisions, such as that to only book Paul Koulibaly after he kicked Asamoah Gyan in the groin.
Burkina Faso ultimately should have won it in spite of the refereeing, with powerhouse striker Bance missing two good chances and seeing another cleared off the line by Harrison Afful.
However the Augsburg target man was a hero in the end as his cheeky ‘Panenka’ penalty proved to be the winner, with Douda Diakite brilliantly saving from Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu to send the Stallions into their first final.
It was an unusual if entertaining match, played on the now infamous rotten pitch at the Mbombela, effectively home advantage for Burkina Faso as they have played there throughout these finals.
Ghana, who were unconvincing in their quarter-final win over Cape Verde, were also not helped by the loss of two key players to injury. Full-back John Pantsil appeared to snap his hamstring on seven minutes, while Mohamed Rabiu picked up a knock late in the first half and was replaced after failing to run it off.
Despite having better possession and attacking with more frequency, Burkina Faso found themselves behind early on when Jdidi decided that Saidu Panandetiguiri had fouled Christian Atsu when they rose for a header. The full-back’s leap was mistimed, but he did not appear to significantly touch the Porto winger.
Wakaso converted for his fourth goal of the finals, three of which have come from the spot.
Both sides had chances, with Nakoulma twice going close while Gyan and Solomon Asante had decent efforts.
Meanwhile, the referee had denied both sides more obvious penalties when Pitroipa was shoved by Boye while Koulibaly seemed to foul Agyemang-Badu in the box.
The second half saw both create chances, as a towering Bance header hit the bar before Gyan hit the post after Atsu’s cross.
Burkina Faso were playing more positively and deserved to equalise when Bance rolled it home after a fantastic Charles Kabore through-ball.
With a quarter-of-an-hour left referee Jdid came into his own. Gyan sent a header inches wide when Koulibaly – who was hitting the deck after rising to challenge him – lashed out, kicking the ex-Sunderland striker in the genitals.
Either the referee saw it, or did not, meaning it was either a red, or nothing: he booked Koulibaly.
Extra-time saw Afful and Gyan go close for Ghana but Burkina Faso had the greater chances. Bakary Kone put a free header over the bar, Nakoulma saw one disallowed, Bance missed two good opportunities and was denied another by Afful’s remarkable goal-line block, while Koulibaly saw a shot saved by Abdul Fatawu Dauda.
On 116 minutes Pitroipa was chopped down just inside the box by Boye. Jdidi brandished yellow and then red cards as the former Hamburg winger trudged off to watch the remainder from the stands.
He kept his composure admirably, but could not contain his emotion, weeping after the shoot-out.
That saw Isaac Vorsah miss a candidate for worst penalty of the year, with Emmanuel Clottey putting his wide.
There was an element of justice when Koulibaly missed his, but Burkina Faso went back ahead when Bance impudently chipped the ball down the middle.
It fell to Agyemang-Badu, one of Ghana’s more celebrated players, but his kick was met by Diakite, who led the celebrations as Burkina Faso became the second outsider in two years to reach the final. Zambia won last time and, with in-form Nigeria waiting, Paul Put’s side have a huge task to emulate them.
Ref banned after semi-final shocker
Tunisian referee Slim Jdidi has been banned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after his controversial performance in Wednesday's African Nations Cup semi-final between Burkina Faso and Ghana.
"CAF was not happy with the standard of refereeing in the match," general secretary Hicham El Amrani told a media briefing on Thursday.
"We know they can make mistakes but we expected a better level of refereeing. They are graded on each performance and based on his marks the referee from Tunisia is now suspended for a period of time still to be determined."
Among the contentious issues during Wednesday's match in Nelspruit was the red card given to Burkina Faso forward Jonathan Pitroipa that could mean he will miss Sunday's final against Nigeria.
Pitroipa received his second booking of the game, for simulation, in extra time after going down in the penalty area.
The organising committee will decide on Friday whether the player can take part in the final.
Burkina Faso have launched an appeal but El Amrani said the only way Pitroipa could avoid an automatic one-match ban will be if Jdidi acknowledges he made a mistake in his referee's report.
"The organising committee does not have the power to change a referee's decision," El Amrani explained.
"If the referee has admitted a mistake in his report the committee will consider it and make any decision if necessary. But that report ... is final."
Jdidi also awarded a soft spot kick to Ghana in a display which threatened to overshadow an exciting encounter that Burkina Faso eventually won 3-2 on penalties.
He also failed to award two clear penalties - not including the Pitroipa incident - while only booking Burkina Faso's Paul Koulibaly for kicking Asamoah Gyan in the groin.
Tunisian referee Slim Jdidi has been banned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after his controversial performance in Wednesday's African Nations Cup semi-final between Burkina Faso and Ghana.
"CAF was not happy with the standard of refereeing in the match," general secretary Hicham El Amrani told a media briefing on Thursday.
"We know they can make mistakes but we expected a better level of refereeing. They are graded on each performance and based on his marks the referee from Tunisia is now suspended for a period of time still to be determined."
Among the contentious issues during Wednesday's match in Nelspruit was the red card given to Burkina Faso forward Jonathan Pitroipa that could mean he will miss Sunday's final against Nigeria.
Pitroipa received his second booking of the game, for simulation, in extra time after going down in the penalty area.
The organising committee will decide on Friday whether the player can take part in the final.
Burkina Faso have launched an appeal but El Amrani said the only way Pitroipa could avoid an automatic one-match ban will be if Jdidi acknowledges he made a mistake in his referee's report.
"The organising committee does not have the power to change a referee's decision," El Amrani explained.
"If the referee has admitted a mistake in his report the committee will consider it and make any decision if necessary. But that report ... is final."
Jdidi also awarded a soft spot kick to Ghana in a display which threatened to overshadow an exciting encounter that Burkina Faso eventually won 3-2 on penalties.
He also failed to award two clear penalties - not including the Pitroipa incident - while only booking Burkina Faso's Paul Koulibaly for kicking Asamoah Gyan in the groin.
CAF clears Pitroipa to play in final
Burkina Faso winger Jonathan Pitroipa, controversially sent off in their semi-final win over Ghana on Wednesday, has had his dismissal rescinded by CAF and can play in Sunday's final against Nigeria.
The Confederation of African Football's referee's review committee overturned Pitroipa's ban after Tunisian referee Slim Jdidi told CAF he made a mistake with the second yellow card shown to the player for simulation.
Jdidi has since been suspended by African football's governing body for his handling of the match which surprise package Burkina Faso won 3-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 following extra time.
Pitroipa, 26, who had already been booked for deliberate handball, went to ground three minutes before the end of extra time inside the penalty area but TV replays clearly showed he had been fouled in the 117th minute incident and did not dive.
A senior CAF official told Reuters: "The referee wrote the letter to the review committee saying he had made a mistake. The review committee examined footage of the incident and agreed Pitroipa had been fouled.
"It asked the disciplinary committee to verify its decision which the disciplinary committee is entitled to do under the terms of CAF's rules and regulations."
Earlier on Friday, CAF president Issa Hayatou had indicated Pitroipa's ban would be overturned when he told reporters: "Everyone realised that this referee did not officiate well.
"The referee admitted his error -- he recognised that he had got it wrong."
Pitroipa, who plays for Stade Rennes in France, has been highly influential for the Burkinabe on their route to the finals, scoring twice including the winner in the 1-0 quarter-final extra-time victory over Togo.
Television pictures showed him utterly distraught in the tunnel after his sending off, but at least CAF have now ruled correctly by overturning the ban.
Burkina Faso winger Jonathan Pitroipa, controversially sent off in their semi-final win over Ghana on Wednesday, has had his dismissal rescinded by CAF and can play in Sunday's final against Nigeria.
The Confederation of African Football's referee's review committee overturned Pitroipa's ban after Tunisian referee Slim Jdidi told CAF he made a mistake with the second yellow card shown to the player for simulation.
Jdidi has since been suspended by African football's governing body for his handling of the match which surprise package Burkina Faso won 3-2 on penalties after the game ended 1-1 following extra time.
Pitroipa, 26, who had already been booked for deliberate handball, went to ground three minutes before the end of extra time inside the penalty area but TV replays clearly showed he had been fouled in the 117th minute incident and did not dive.
A senior CAF official told Reuters: "The referee wrote the letter to the review committee saying he had made a mistake. The review committee examined footage of the incident and agreed Pitroipa had been fouled.
"It asked the disciplinary committee to verify its decision which the disciplinary committee is entitled to do under the terms of CAF's rules and regulations."
Earlier on Friday, CAF president Issa Hayatou had indicated Pitroipa's ban would be overturned when he told reporters: "Everyone realised that this referee did not officiate well.
"The referee admitted his error -- he recognised that he had got it wrong."
Pitroipa, who plays for Stade Rennes in France, has been highly influential for the Burkinabe on their route to the finals, scoring twice including the winner in the 1-0 quarter-final extra-time victory over Togo.
Television pictures showed him utterly distraught in the tunnel after his sending off, but at least CAF have now ruled correctly by overturning the ban.
Injured Traore returns to cheer on Burkina Faso in final
Injured Burkina Faso attacker Alain Traore will return to South Africa to cheer on his team mates as they take on Nigeria in the African Nations Cup final, the Burkinabe Football Federation said on Saturday.
The Lorient forward will fly in for Sunday's match from France, where he returned last week after suffering a thigh injury in the group stages of the tournament.
Traore was ruled out for up to six weeks after being taken off early in Burkina Faso's final Group C match in Nelspruit on Jan. 29, a goalless draw with champions Zambia that ensured they were the surprise winners of the pool.
The 25-year-old had shone before his injury with three goals in their opening two games - a 1-1 draw with Nigeria, where he scored with the last kick of the game, and a 4-0 thumping of Ethiopia.
He returned to France to have the injury assessed at his club but with Burkina Faso making it all the way to the final for a first time, Traore will be hoping to witness an unlikely victory at Soccer City.
Injured Burkina Faso attacker Alain Traore will return to South Africa to cheer on his team mates as they take on Nigeria in the African Nations Cup final, the Burkinabe Football Federation said on Saturday.
The Lorient forward will fly in for Sunday's match from France, where he returned last week after suffering a thigh injury in the group stages of the tournament.
Traore was ruled out for up to six weeks after being taken off early in Burkina Faso's final Group C match in Nelspruit on Jan. 29, a goalless draw with champions Zambia that ensured they were the surprise winners of the pool.
The 25-year-old had shone before his injury with three goals in their opening two games - a 1-1 draw with Nigeria, where he scored with the last kick of the game, and a 4-0 thumping of Ethiopia.
He returned to France to have the injury assessed at his club but with Burkina Faso making it all the way to the final for a first time, Traore will be hoping to witness an unlikely victory at Soccer City.
:update: Mali 3 - Ghana 1
Ghana are on the decline I think, they don't have a legit goal scorer (Gyan hasn't been the same for the NT since going to UAE) and lack some creativty in the midfield.
I've watched most of this tournament, quite decent but too many of these teams are so defensive and no good technical play makers hurts these teams. Too many "Yaya Toure type" midfielders for my liking
I've watched most of this tournament, quite decent but too many of these teams are so defensive and no good technical play makers hurts these teams. Too many "Yaya Toure type" midfielders for my liking
Mali beat Ghana to third again
African Cup of Nations third place play-off, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Mali 3 (Samassa 21, Keita 38, Diarra 90) Ghana 1 (Asamoah 82, Wakaso missed penalty)
Goals by Mahamadou Samassa, Seydou Keita and Sigamary Diarra gave Mali a 3-1 victory over Ghana in the African Nations Cup third-place play-off on Saturday.
Mali also beat Ghana in the same play-off match at the last edition in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon a year ago.
Samassa put his team in front in the 21st minute with a diving header following a good pass from Adama Tamboura on the left.
Man of the match Keita made it 2-0 just after half-time, the midfielder ghosting into the penalty area to convert a cross by Ousmane Coulibaly.
Ghana wasted a chance to get back in the match when Salif Coulibaly handled in the box and Mubarak Wakaso blazed his 58th-minute penalty high over the bar.
Wakaso had previously converted three spot kicks at the tournament.
Ghana eventually pulled one back when Kwadwo Asamoah beat goalkeeper Soumbeyla Diakite with a long-range drive in the 82nd minute.
Then, as Ghana pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Mali caught them on the counter attack with Diarra scoring three minute into stoppage time.
Nigeria meet Burkina Faso in Sunday's final in Johannesburg.
African Cup of Nations third place play-off, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - Mali 3 (Samassa 21, Keita 38, Diarra 90) Ghana 1 (Asamoah 82, Wakaso missed penalty)
Goals by Mahamadou Samassa, Seydou Keita and Sigamary Diarra gave Mali a 3-1 victory over Ghana in the African Nations Cup third-place play-off on Saturday.
Mali also beat Ghana in the same play-off match at the last edition in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon a year ago.
Samassa put his team in front in the 21st minute with a diving header following a good pass from Adama Tamboura on the left.
Man of the match Keita made it 2-0 just after half-time, the midfielder ghosting into the penalty area to convert a cross by Ousmane Coulibaly.
Ghana wasted a chance to get back in the match when Salif Coulibaly handled in the box and Mubarak Wakaso blazed his 58th-minute penalty high over the bar.
Wakaso had previously converted three spot kicks at the tournament.
Ghana eventually pulled one back when Kwadwo Asamoah beat goalkeeper Soumbeyla Diakite with a long-range drive in the 82nd minute.
Then, as Ghana pushed forward in search of an equaliser, Mali caught them on the counter attack with Diarra scoring three minute into stoppage time.
Nigeria meet Burkina Faso in Sunday's final in Johannesburg.
Nigeria start as favourites in final
Nigeria are favourites to win only their third African Nations Cup title at Soccer City on Sunday, but the possibility of Burkina Faso springing a surprise in the final cannot be discounted.
Both sides began their campaigns with few hopes but have advanced to the final in a tournament filled with upsets.
Nigeria, despite their heavyweight status, made it clear they saw the event in South Africa as a chance to develop a new team, while Burkina Faso were always rank outsiders.
Yet both have overcome considerable odds to reach the final, the Burkinabe for the first time.
Ninety-second in the FIFA rankings, Burkina Faso have exceeded their wildest dreams by first winning their group, then beating Togo after extra time in the quarter-final and edging Ghana on penalties in a thrilling semi-final on Wednesday.
All five of their matches - including a 1-1 draw with Nigeria on the third day of the tournament - were played on a sandy surface at Nelspruit, but they now face their first game at the 1,750-metre altitude of Johannesburg.
Nigeria, who have had two matches in Rustenburg at an elevation of some 1,100m, play in their seventh Nations Cup final but their first in 13 years.
Although Africa's most populous country and a consistent exporter of talent to clubs worldwide, they have only previously won the tournament in 1980 and 1994.
Coach Stephen Keshi was their captain when they last lifted the trophy, and should Nigeria win on Sunday he will become only the second man to win Africa's top football prize as both a player and coach, matching the feat of Egyptian Mahmoud Al Gohari.
Nigeria are favourites to win only their third African Nations Cup title at Soccer City on Sunday, but the possibility of Burkina Faso springing a surprise in the final cannot be discounted.
Both sides began their campaigns with few hopes but have advanced to the final in a tournament filled with upsets.
Nigeria, despite their heavyweight status, made it clear they saw the event in South Africa as a chance to develop a new team, while Burkina Faso were always rank outsiders.
Yet both have overcome considerable odds to reach the final, the Burkinabe for the first time.
Ninety-second in the FIFA rankings, Burkina Faso have exceeded their wildest dreams by first winning their group, then beating Togo after extra time in the quarter-final and edging Ghana on penalties in a thrilling semi-final on Wednesday.
All five of their matches - including a 1-1 draw with Nigeria on the third day of the tournament - were played on a sandy surface at Nelspruit, but they now face their first game at the 1,750-metre altitude of Johannesburg.
Nigeria, who have had two matches in Rustenburg at an elevation of some 1,100m, play in their seventh Nations Cup final but their first in 13 years.
Although Africa's most populous country and a consistent exporter of talent to clubs worldwide, they have only previously won the tournament in 1980 and 1994.
Coach Stephen Keshi was their captain when they last lifted the trophy, and should Nigeria win on Sunday he will become only the second man to win Africa's top football prize as both a player and coach, matching the feat of Egyptian Mahmoud Al Gohari.
African Cup of Nations Final
:update: Nigeria 1 - Burkina Faso 0
:update: Nigeria 1 - Burkina Faso 0
Nigeria won African Cup of Nations
Super Eagles win African Nations Cup
Nigeria claimed their third African Nations Cup title with a dominant performance in a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in Johannesburg.
Sunday Mba fired the Super Eagles ahead with a superb volley five minutes before the break after a period of pressure saw Burkina Faso, competing in their first final, succumb to Stephen Keshi's side. Wilfried Sanou came close to levelling midway through the second half but his flash of brilliance was extinguished by a top save by Vincent Enyeama.
It was Nigeria's first final since 2000 but they were hot favourites ahead of the match against the minnows from west Africa due to their 12-game unbeaten record. Their win means coach Keshi becomes only the second man to win the cup as coach and player, following in the footsteps of Egyptian Mahmoud Al Gohari.
Efe Ambrose had the first chance of the match when he headed over the bar from Victor Moses' free-kick in the seventh minute before Burkina Faso goalkeeper Daouda Diakite almost made a disastrous mistake moments later.
Diakite came off his line to take a ball above his own defender's head, only to fluff his take, with Brown Ideye's resulting weak shot looping over the bar.
Nigeria kept up the pressure, Aristide Bance wasting a good chance when his low, drilled 25-yard free-kick flashed just wide of Enyeama's right post, before Ikechukwu Uche's turn on edge of box was miscued by the onrushing Ideye.
Burkina Faso were struggling to get out of their own half and Nigeria's dominance told five minutes before the break, when Mba volleyed past Diakite from the middle of the box. After some good build-up play, Moses' shot was blocked and looped up to Mba, who plucked the ball from the air to fire the Super Eagles to a deserved lead.
Nigeria almost doubled their lead two minutes after the break when Moses played in Ideye, who was unable to get enough angle on his strike and flashed it across the face of goal. Moses then wasted a golden chance to score on the counter-attack when he failed to pull the trigger when one-on-one with defender Madi Panandetiguiri.
The Nigeria defence were then called upon to keep out two testing corners before Super Eagles goalkeeper Enyeama denied Sanou's powerful strike with a fantastic diving save to tip it around the post.
However, Burkina Faso remained unable to find that elusive cutting edge, with substitute Moumouni Dagano firing over the bar with his stoppage time free-kick in their last meaningful attack.
Nigeria claimed their third African Nations Cup title with a dominant performance in a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in Johannesburg.
Sunday Mba fired the Super Eagles ahead with a superb volley five minutes before the break after a period of pressure saw Burkina Faso, competing in their first final, succumb to Stephen Keshi's side. Wilfried Sanou came close to levelling midway through the second half but his flash of brilliance was extinguished by a top save by Vincent Enyeama.
It was Nigeria's first final since 2000 but they were hot favourites ahead of the match against the minnows from west Africa due to their 12-game unbeaten record. Their win means coach Keshi becomes only the second man to win the cup as coach and player, following in the footsteps of Egyptian Mahmoud Al Gohari.
Efe Ambrose had the first chance of the match when he headed over the bar from Victor Moses' free-kick in the seventh minute before Burkina Faso goalkeeper Daouda Diakite almost made a disastrous mistake moments later.
Diakite came off his line to take a ball above his own defender's head, only to fluff his take, with Brown Ideye's resulting weak shot looping over the bar.
Nigeria kept up the pressure, Aristide Bance wasting a good chance when his low, drilled 25-yard free-kick flashed just wide of Enyeama's right post, before Ikechukwu Uche's turn on edge of box was miscued by the onrushing Ideye.
Burkina Faso were struggling to get out of their own half and Nigeria's dominance told five minutes before the break, when Mba volleyed past Diakite from the middle of the box. After some good build-up play, Moses' shot was blocked and looped up to Mba, who plucked the ball from the air to fire the Super Eagles to a deserved lead.
Nigeria almost doubled their lead two minutes after the break when Moses played in Ideye, who was unable to get enough angle on his strike and flashed it across the face of goal. Moses then wasted a golden chance to score on the counter-attack when he failed to pull the trigger when one-on-one with defender Madi Panandetiguiri.
The Nigeria defence were then called upon to keep out two testing corners before Super Eagles goalkeeper Enyeama denied Sanou's powerful strike with a fantastic diving save to tip it around the post.
However, Burkina Faso remained unable to find that elusive cutting edge, with substitute Moumouni Dagano firing over the bar with his stoppage time free-kick in their last meaningful attack.
African Cup of Nations: Team of the tournament
From a player stuck in the obscurity of the French second division to one from a collection of millionaires at Champions League winners Chelsea, here's our selection of a 'dream team' for the African Nations Cup reflects the wide diversity of the players who competed at the finals in South Africa over the last three weeks.
Goalkeeper
Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria): The Nigeria captain never looked pressured and had an error-free tournament in contrast to some of the calamitous goalkeeping seen in South Africa. With more than a decade's experience in the national side, Enyeama proved a steely influence on his younger team mates. His best performance was against Ivory Coast in the quarter-final where he made a number of key saves, including one from Kolo Toure with the game at a critical juncture.
Defenders
Fousseiny Diawara (Mali): Right back Diawara recently returned to international football and his addition to the squad for the Nations Cup gave Mali a defensive polish. Little got past him, even though he had some tough players to deal with, and he proved thoughtful and measured in his forward forays, adding extra impetus at the right moment to his team's attacks.
Bakary Kone (Burkina Faso): The runners-up ended the tournament conceding only three goals, one of them from the penalty spot. Much of this had to do with the form of the 24-year-old centrla defender from Olympique Lyon. Kone was one of Burkina Faso's three key players at the tournament, often coming to the rescue of his centre back partner Paul Koulibaly.
Nando (Cape Verde Islands): The captain of the gusty islanders retired from international football after an inspirational leadership role at the tournament, where Cape Verde were making their debut. With a mop of unruly hair, central defender Nando rose from the obscurity of the French second division to exemplify the fighting spirit of his team
Elderson Echiejile (Nigeria): Using the flanks was a big part of Nigeria's winning strategy and the Super Eagles' left back used every opportunity to get forward and pose an offensive threat. His goal against Mali in the semi-final keyed a devastating performance which set Nigeria up for the title. The 25-year-old now returns to Braga in Portugal, where he had been condemned to the reserves earlier in the season.
Midfielders
John Obi Mikel (Nigeria): The Chelsea man was imperious throughout and should have been crowned the tournament's best player. He has been a full fixture in Nigeria's side since 2006 but failed to live up to his potential until now. His command of the midfield, strength in holding onto the ball, disrupting opponents and driving the team forward laid the platform for his team's victory and re-established his credentials as one of Africa's best.
Charles Kabore (Burkina Faso): Suspended for the first game, Kabore returned to the side as Burkina Faso beat Ethiopia 4-0 in their second group match. He directed play from the heart of midfield, popping up at full back, where he usually plays for Olympique Marseille, and darting into the opposing penalty area soon after. He was a calming influence when his team were on the brink of being carried away by their enthusiasm.
Seydou Keita (Mali): The 33-year-old proved the catalyst for Mali's third place finish. He scored three goals to become his country's record Nations Cup finals scorer, going past Frederic Kanoute. Keita moved effortlessly around the pitch, fetching and carrying the ball, producing probing passes and running into clever positions. It was his sixth appearance at the finals.
Jonathan Pitroipa (Burkina Faso): An uncanny burst of acceleration and super skills made spindly Pitroipa a joy to watch. He was named the player of the tournament although will probably best be remembered for the red card that ruled him out of the final, only for the Confederation of African Football to rescind the decision.
Forwards
Victor Moses (Nigeria): Just a year on from his debut for Nigeria, the former England under-21 international is now an African champion. Despite battling injury throughout the tournament, Moses scored twice against Ethiopia in the last group game to ensure Nigeria's progress, and in the semi-final against Mali the winger tormented the opposing defence.
Emmanuel Emenike (Nigeria): Finished joint top goal scorer with four but had the heartbreak of having to sit out the final because of a hamstring injury. The Russian-based forward has a direct style with fearsome speed and strength, reminiscent of Nigeria great Rashidi Yekini, and also proved a threat at set pieces.
From a player stuck in the obscurity of the French second division to one from a collection of millionaires at Champions League winners Chelsea, here's our selection of a 'dream team' for the African Nations Cup reflects the wide diversity of the players who competed at the finals in South Africa over the last three weeks.
Goalkeeper
Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria): The Nigeria captain never looked pressured and had an error-free tournament in contrast to some of the calamitous goalkeeping seen in South Africa. With more than a decade's experience in the national side, Enyeama proved a steely influence on his younger team mates. His best performance was against Ivory Coast in the quarter-final where he made a number of key saves, including one from Kolo Toure with the game at a critical juncture.
Defenders
Fousseiny Diawara (Mali): Right back Diawara recently returned to international football and his addition to the squad for the Nations Cup gave Mali a defensive polish. Little got past him, even though he had some tough players to deal with, and he proved thoughtful and measured in his forward forays, adding extra impetus at the right moment to his team's attacks.
Bakary Kone (Burkina Faso): The runners-up ended the tournament conceding only three goals, one of them from the penalty spot. Much of this had to do with the form of the 24-year-old centrla defender from Olympique Lyon. Kone was one of Burkina Faso's three key players at the tournament, often coming to the rescue of his centre back partner Paul Koulibaly.
Nando (Cape Verde Islands): The captain of the gusty islanders retired from international football after an inspirational leadership role at the tournament, where Cape Verde were making their debut. With a mop of unruly hair, central defender Nando rose from the obscurity of the French second division to exemplify the fighting spirit of his team
Elderson Echiejile (Nigeria): Using the flanks was a big part of Nigeria's winning strategy and the Super Eagles' left back used every opportunity to get forward and pose an offensive threat. His goal against Mali in the semi-final keyed a devastating performance which set Nigeria up for the title. The 25-year-old now returns to Braga in Portugal, where he had been condemned to the reserves earlier in the season.
Midfielders
John Obi Mikel (Nigeria): The Chelsea man was imperious throughout and should have been crowned the tournament's best player. He has been a full fixture in Nigeria's side since 2006 but failed to live up to his potential until now. His command of the midfield, strength in holding onto the ball, disrupting opponents and driving the team forward laid the platform for his team's victory and re-established his credentials as one of Africa's best.
Charles Kabore (Burkina Faso): Suspended for the first game, Kabore returned to the side as Burkina Faso beat Ethiopia 4-0 in their second group match. He directed play from the heart of midfield, popping up at full back, where he usually plays for Olympique Marseille, and darting into the opposing penalty area soon after. He was a calming influence when his team were on the brink of being carried away by their enthusiasm.
Seydou Keita (Mali): The 33-year-old proved the catalyst for Mali's third place finish. He scored three goals to become his country's record Nations Cup finals scorer, going past Frederic Kanoute. Keita moved effortlessly around the pitch, fetching and carrying the ball, producing probing passes and running into clever positions. It was his sixth appearance at the finals.
Jonathan Pitroipa (Burkina Faso): An uncanny burst of acceleration and super skills made spindly Pitroipa a joy to watch. He was named the player of the tournament although will probably best be remembered for the red card that ruled him out of the final, only for the Confederation of African Football to rescind the decision.
Forwards
Victor Moses (Nigeria): Just a year on from his debut for Nigeria, the former England under-21 international is now an African champion. Despite battling injury throughout the tournament, Moses scored twice against Ethiopia in the last group game to ensure Nigeria's progress, and in the semi-final against Mali the winger tormented the opposing defence.
Emmanuel Emenike (Nigeria): Finished joint top goal scorer with four but had the heartbreak of having to sit out the final because of a hamstring injury. The Russian-based forward has a direct style with fearsome speed and strength, reminiscent of Nigeria great Rashidi Yekini, and also proved a threat at set pieces.
