LIBREVILLE: Zambia surprised favourites Ghana with a 1-0 win which edged them in the final of the African Nations Cup – after Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan missed another crucial penalty.

Zambia, under pressure throughout almost all of the second half, snatched victory with a counter-attacking goal from substitute Emmanuel Mayuka 11 minutes from time.

The 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists saw their clearest chance wasted when Gyan had an eighth-minute penalty saved by keeper Mweene after Davis Nkausu had tripped Kwadwo Asamoah.

In the 2010 World Cup Gyan missed a last-minute penalty in extra-time against Uruguay and Ghana ultimately lost in a shootout.

Ghana had defender Derek Boateng sent off for a second yellow card in closing minutes as Zambia saw out the match to come within 90 minutes of their fourth African title.

In Sunday’s final in Libreville they will face Ivory Coast who beat Mali 1-0 in the other semi-final.