Ghana advance to the finals of the maiden African Nations Championship after winning the semi-final clash against Senegal on Wednesday in Bouake.

Senegal, one of the best defensive sides at the Championship designed exclusively for local footballers were denied a place in the historic final set for Sunday as they lost 7-6 on penalties after 120 minutes of action.

The victory by Ghana dented the Teranga Lions’ clean sheet and three-game unbeaten run at the Championship.

After a 1-1 tied 90 minute action, the game went into extra time then penalties as Ghana’s elected spot kick takers all saw the attempts find target before substitute striker, Kwadwo Poku sealed qualification to the finals with the seventh kick after Philemon MacCarthy had saved the last kick of the Senegalese.

Prior to kick off, Senegal had not conceded in their three group games but after 31 minutes of player, Ghana erased that feat as Yaw Antwi put the Black Stars in the lead after he tapped a Rahim Ayew cross.

However, Ghana’s deserved lead was cut short as the Teranga Lions found the equaliser four minutes later Alpha Oumar Sow who scored from six yards as a free-kick came off the wall.

The scoreline stayed same till the half ended.

The second half saw Ghana dominated but were wasteful in front of goal as they continuously let-off the Senegalese to send the match into extra-time which failed to produce any goals.

With the sides level at 6-6 on penalties, Philemon MacCarthy saved from Vito Badiane before Poku slotted the ball home to send Ghana into the finals on Sunday.