After winning their first two games, Atsu’s Ghana relinquished top-spot in Group D after losing 1-0 to Egypt, Mohamed Salah’s goal enough for Hector Cuper’s side to leapfrog the Black Stars.

As a result, Ghana will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in Oyem on Sunday, Mbemba and his teammates having enjoyed an unbeaten start to the competition.

The Leopards saw off Togo two days ago to win a tough-looking Group C, reigning champions Ivory Coast crashing out after a 1-0 defeat to Morocco.

Elsewhere, Mohamed Diame made his first appearance of the tournament for Senegal on Monday, the Lions of Teranga twice coming back from a goal down to draw 2-2 with Algeria.

They will now meet four-time winners Cameroon for a place in the last four, a repeat of the 2002 final.