Jordan and Andre Ayew scored either side of a Mubarak Wakaso strike to seal victory but the game was marred by home supporters hurling objects at the visiting support, causing the game to be suspended for 30 minutes in the second half.
Atsu and the rest of his Black Stars team-mates kept their composure as the violence erupted in the stands and saw out the final three minutes of the game to secure their place in the tournament showpiece.
“It was a very difficult game against Equatorial Guinea, they had lots of confidence [and] the fans were behind them but we worked harder than them,” the on-loan Chelsea player told the press after the game which was marred by fan chaos.
“We spoke to each other and said that we have to leave the referee and the Equatorial Guinea players and their antics and concentrate on ourselves.”
Atsu added: “Ivory Coast are a very strong team with good professional players but we will do well and win the cup.”
The former Porto player provided the assist for Ghana's second goal in the 3-0 win.
