CAF to decide Africa Cup of Nations action over semi-final between Ghana and Equatorial Guinea

Frustrated home spectators at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo pelted the opposing team, their fans and officials with a myriad of missiles before being chased from the stadium by riot police.

They continued their carnage outside, leaving roads strewn with cement boulders, broken objects and glass littering the stadium prescient and a tournament in tatters.

Equatorial Guinea, who took over from Morocco as hosts with just two months’ notice, were riding a wave of positive publicity after delivering an exciting, 16-team tournament dominated by enthusiastic turn outs.

But their obvious lack of security facilities and training turned their success story into one of potential tragedy on Thursday as angry local fans were allowed to run amock as their frustration at seeing their side go behind was manifested in violent scenes.

Ghana won to set up a Final against the Ivory Coast while Equatorial Guinea were due to play again on Saturday in the third-place play-off in Malabo against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

But it is possible CAF will order the match be played behind closed doors, officials said on Friday.

The competition’s organising committee were meeting in Malabo to decide on action and a response.

CAF spokesman Junior Binyam said no statement on the violence would be made until after the meeting.