Wednesday Feb 07, 2024. 23:40
The second semifinal match at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations saw Cote d’Ivoire defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 at the Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan.
Date: Wednesday 7 February 2024
Cote d’Ivoire (0) 1 (Haller 65’)
DR Congo 0
Cote d’Ivoire: Y. Fofana, Singo, Boly, Ndicka, Konan, Seri (Amani 61’), Kessie, Adingra (Bamba 80’), S. Fofana (Sangare 61’), Gradel (Boga 90’), Haller (Krasso 90’).
DR Congo: Mpasi-Nzau, Kalulu, Mbemba, Inonga, Masuaku, Moutoussamy, Pickel (Tshibola 70’), Elia, Kakuta (Bongonda 46’), Wissa (Mayele 70’), Bakambu (Banza 69’).
First 45: DR Congo started brightly but Cote d’Ivoire had the better chances, including a free header for Sebastien Haller which the strike put wide, as well as a Franck Kessie drive which struck the frame of the goal.
Second 45: On 65 minutes Cote d’Ivoire broke the deadlock: Max Gradel’s cross from the right by-line found Haller, who struck an awkward-looking volley that bounced up off the turf and over the reach of the DRC goalkeeper to find the back of the net.
The Elephants were able to see out the final portion of the match in relative comfort, restricting the Leopards to only a few half-chances which were no real threat to Yahia Fofana’s goal posts.
What the result means: Cote d’Ivoire will have the chance to win a third AFCON title, as they look to add to their triumphs in 1992 and 2015. The Elephants will also aim to become the first host nation tournament winners since Egypt in 2006.
What’s next: DR Congo will face South Africa in the third-place playoff at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Saturday 10 February, while Cote d’Ivoire will face Nigeria in the final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday 11 February.
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