Ghana-Equatorial Guinea AFCON Semifinal Halted Due To Crowd Trouble

Ghana's national football team players leave the pitch protected by riot police at half-time of the 2015 African Cup of Nations semi-final football match between Equatorial Guinea and Ghana in Malabo, on February 5, 2015.

Ghana booked its place in the Africa Cup of Nations final -- but only after Thursday's semifinal was brought to a halt when Black Stars supporters were forced out of their seats after appearing to be targeted with missiles by
Equatorial Guinea fans.

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 pitch 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 signalled 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.