AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS:Nigeria scored three goals in a blistering 20-minute first-half spell as they routed Mali 4-1 to reach the final of the African Nations Cup for the first time since 2000 yesterday.
Nigeria clicked into gear with goals from Elderson Echiejile after 25 minutes, Brown Ideye in the 30th minute and an own goal from Mali defender Momo Sissoko just before half-time.
Substitute Ahmed Musa, who replaced the outstanding Victor Moses after 53 minutes added the fourth shortly after coming on.
Mali, who came back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 with Angola in the opening game of the 2010 finals, did score a consolation goal when Cheick Diarra fired home in the 75th minute.
In the other semi-final, Burkina Faso beat Ghana 3-2 on penalties .
Ghana took the lead through a penalty by Mubarak Wakaso in the 13th minute. Burkina Faso equalised in the 60th minute through Aristide Bance.
