Ghana reached their fifth consecutive Africa Cup of Nations as they cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Guinea while pre-tournament favourites Algeria crashed out after a defeat to Ivory Coast at the Estadio de Malabo.
Everton winger Christian Atsu slotted home to open the scoring after just four minutes, and just before the break the Black Stars doubled their lead thanks to Crystal Palace's Kwesi Appiah.
Any slim hopes of a shock Guinea win were ended with half an hour remaining as Atsu bagged his second of the match with a sublime finish.
In the dying embers of the contest, Naby Yattara ensured the match ended in bizarre fashion as he was given his marching orders for a karate kick on Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan, which meant defender Abdoulaye Cisse had to go in goal for the remaining three minutes.
The victory over Guinea, who only made the last eight by virtue of drawing lots at the expense of Mali, maintains Ghana's quest for a first Africa Cup of Nations title since 1982.
The two matches on Sunday were almost polar opposites to those that had taken place the previous day.
Ghana now look like strong contenders to hoist the trophy at the end of the tournament after earning a fifth consecutive semi-final appearance at the African Cup of Nations.
Avram Grant's men face the home nation Thursday, Equatorial Guinea earning its passage after a controversial 2-1 win over Tunisia.