Sebastien Haller’s goal sealed a victory for Ivory Coast as they defeated DR Congo in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, setting up a final showdown with Nigeria.
The lone goal in the closely contested match in Abidjan came in the 65th minute when Haller’s volley found the back of the net over Leopards goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
The Borussia Dortmund striker missed an opportunity to open the scoring just before halftime with an unmarked header and later failed to double the lead with a narrow miss on a lobbed attempt.
DR Congo made attempts to equalize late in the game, but Meschack Elia’s volley went wide and Simon Banza fired over the crossbar in injury time.
Ivory Coast, who had recently replaced Jean-Louis Gasset as coach, managed to secure their place in the semi-finals with late goals in previous matches against Senegal and Mali.
Meanwhile, DR Congo players staged a protest during the national anthems, symbolizing a call for peace in the eastern part of the country.
The match saw Ivory Coast return to the Alassane Ouattara Stadium after a disappointing 4-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea earlier in the tournament, prompting changes to the starting lineup due to suspensions and injuries.
Sebastien Haller’s goal, his first shot on target in the tournament, proved to be the winner as Ivory Coast advanced to the final, where they will face Nigeria.
Despite DR Congo’s efforts, they were unable to find an equalizer, ending their tournament run. Ivory Coast’s journey to the final has been marked by dramatic twists and turns, and they now have the opportunity to win the continental title on home soil.
Interim coach Emerse Fae could cap off a remarkable journey if Ivory Coast secures victory in the final, adding to the nation’s previous triumphs in 1992 and 2015.
