The Black Stars of Ghana got knocked out of the African Cup of Nations at the semi final stage after a 2-0 loss to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Two goals from Ngadeu-Ngadjui and Bassogog in the second half handed the Stars a fourth semi finals loss since 2008 and the second to Cameroon, who also knocked the Stars out of Ghana 2008.

The hard fought game started with Cameroon firing on all cylinders and pinning the Stars back, but they failed to score in the first half and Ghana created the best chance of the half as Jordan Ayew fired wide one-on-one with the goalie, albeit from an acute angle.

Ghana started the second half much better and made numerous forays forward, yet failed to create a clear cut chance as the build up play looked hurried at times.

Cameroon drew first blood in the 72nd minute, when a freekick floated into the box caused confusion between John Boye and goalkeeper Razak Brimah, and the Cameroonian defender took his chance to slot in the net.

And whilst Ghana sought an equaliser deep into added time, Cameroon intercepted a poor Wakaso freekick and run unchallenged down the other end to score past a hapless Brimah.

Ghana thus books a spot in the third place game slated for Saturday, where they meet the Burkinabe – whilst Cameroon meets Egypt in Sunday’s final.