Captain John Mensah has apologised to Ghanians for the Black Stars' failure to reach the final of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana were beaten 1-0 on Wednesday night in the semi-final of the competition by the Chipolopolo at the Estadio de Bata.

A 78th minute strike from substitute Emmanuel Mayuka handed Zambia the advantage and a place in the finals as Ghana finished the game with ten following Derek Boateng's dismissal in the second half.

Mensah, who limped off injured admits that they are all hurting after seeing their title dream vanish.

“We are sorry for the whole of Ghana for what happened today,” captain John Mensah said.

“We gave everything that we could.”

Ghana will have to play for a third-place on Saturday.

“It’s unlucky that we lost this game. We promise them we will come back strongly next year.”