Ivory Coast and Ghana are on course to meet in a showpiece final at the African Cup of Nations, with only semi-final opponents Mali and Zambia able to prevent the eagerly awaited showdown.

Ivory Coast’s star-studded squad have won all four matches without conceding a goal in their quest for a first cup success in 20 years, while Ghana, losing finalists two years ago, are looking for a fifth title.

Ghana must first beat Zambia, who have enjoyed an impressive cup campaign so far and are motivated to make the final in Libreville in memory of 25 players and officials who died in a plane crash near the Gabonese capital 19 years ago.

Ivory Coast’s opponent, Mali, are bidding to reach their first final after having beaten co-host Gabon on penalties in the quarter-finals.