Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba turned from villain to hero as the Elephants defeated co-hosts Equatorial Guinea 3-0 on Saturday to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

The Chelsea striker Drogba had his penalty saved by Brazilian-born goalkeeper Danilo in the 29th minute in Malabo but scored the opening goal just seven minutes later.

Drogba got his side’s second goal in the 69th minute, before Yaya Toure scored with a well-taken free-kick to give the west Africans their eighth semi-final appearance at the showpiece of African football.

They finished third in 1965 but no semi-final matches were played, as just six team competed in the finals.

Ivory Coast will face the winner of Sunday’s quarter-final between co-host Gabon and Mali in Thursday’s semi-final in Libreville.