With full-time fast approaching and Ghana leading 3-0 – thanks to goals from Jordan Ayew, Wakasu Mubarak and Andre Ayew -play was suspended following the sight of Black Stars fans making their way onto the side of the pitch, seeking refuge from what was being thrown at them.
Players were forced to stand in the middle of the pitch as they awaited a decision, while a police helicopter hovered above the Estadio de Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.
Chaos ensued as it was unclear as to whether play would eventually resume or the match would be abandoned, with reports suggesting that police were dispersing supporters and leading Ghana fans away to their safety.
Eventually, it was decided that the final few minutes of the match would be finished, with action being played out before the full-time whistle signaled Ghana’s progress to the final where it will meet Ivory Coast on Sunday.
Trouble had threatened to boil over prior to that, with Equatorial Guinea supporters venting their frustration and firing missiles at the Ghana players and staff at half-time as they headed down the tunnel.
It was a depressing way for the host nation’s fairytale Africa Cup of Nations story to end.
A team eliminated from the qualifying stages last July reached a first semifinal in its history after only being instated as host of the tournament in November following Morocco’s decision to back out due to Ebola fears.
The rapturous home support inside the Estadio de Malabo was at first a joy to behold as the Equatorial Guinea fans roared their team on against Ghana, yet as certain decisions went against the National Lightning both players and supporters alike grew frustrated, with tensions eventually reaching boiling point.
Despite the events that had unfolded, Ghana celebrated its victory at the full-time whistle, for a first final in 33 years had been reached.
Having failed to get past the last four of the competition at the last two attempts, a mouth-watering showpiece event now looms against Ivory Coast -a repeat of the 1992 final in which the Elephants came out on top.
The third and fourth place will be contested between hosts Equatorial Guinea and DRC.
The 2015 Afcon Final is on Sunday.
