Hosts Ghana claimed third place in the African Nations Cup after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Ivory Coast in Saturday's play-off.

Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari (10) fired the Ghanaians into the lead with a fierce 25-yard free-kick after Chelsea's Salomon Kalou had spurned a good early chance for the Elephants.

But Boubacar Sanogo (24) equalised for Ivory Coast with a powerful run and finish and then put his country into the lead with a 32nd-minute tap-in after Didier Drogba's effort was saved by Birmingham's Richard Kingson.

Former Arsenal youngster Quincy Owusu-Abeyie scored a sublime second for Ghana as he raced past three defenders before slotting home coolly from a tight angle in the 70th minute.

The Black Stars then completed a rousing comeback in front of a delighted home support in Kumasi when Nottingham Forest striker Junior Agogo beat the offside trap and fired into the bottom corner with 10 minutes left.

After a swarm of mosquitos descended on the stadium - and Essien appeared to swallow one - Haminu Dramani scored a late fourth for Ghana with a long-range shot that bounced over the embarrassed Tiasse Kone in the Ivory Coast goal.

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