ACCRA (Reuters) - Hosts Ghana paid the price for a suspension and a string of injuries before and during the African Nations Cup with semi-final defeat by Cameroon.

The Black Stars dominated Thursday's game but failed to capitalise on chances and were knocked out by an Alain Nkong goal 19 minutes from time.

Ghana had to do without regular captain Stephen Appiah, who did not travel to his home country after failing to recover in time from knee surgery.

Centre back John Mensah, hailed by coach Claude Le Roy as one of the best defenders in the world, was suspended for Thursday's game at the Ohene Djan stadium after picking up a red card during Ghana's 2-1 quarter-final victory against Nigeria.

"This game was very difficult to prepare. I had John Mensah out suspended, then yesterday Asamoah Gyan said he couldn't play (because of a groin injury), then 10 minutes before kickoff Laryea Kingston gets injured," Le Roy told reporters.

Kingston had to be replaced by Andre Ayew, who showed pace and will on the right flank but lacked experience.

"Also, Shilla Illiasu was not fully fit because of an (ankle) injury. We were then missing five players from our usual starting 11."

As a result, Ghana were without the core of the team and Le Roy was forced to field Michael Essien in central defence, effectively weakening his midfield.

The Chelsea player was sorely missed alongside Sulley Muntari and was never in a position to threaten Cameroon keeper Idriss Carlos Kameni.

Up front, Junior Agogo lacked speed to outpace the Cameroon defence and failed to convert his greatest chance when he headed a free kick just above the crossbar 10 minutes from the whistle.

"I was never so sad in my career," said Le Roy. "I want to congratulate my players, who gave their all despite the conditions."

At the Ohene Djan stadium, groups of usually cheerful volunteers wept and most of the players could not bring themselves to talk about the game.

Ghana will now have to focus on Saturday's third-place game in Kumasi against Ivory Coast, who were thrashed 4-1 by champions Egypt.

(Editing by Clare Lovell)