In a tightly contested Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Abidjan, Ivory Coast edged past DR Congo with a 1-0 win, thanks to a decisive goal from Sebastien Haller. This victory keeps the host nation’s dream of clinching their first AFCON title on home soil alive as they move one step closer to their third continental crown.
The match was a showcase of determination and skill, with both teams having their moments of brilliance. DR Congo, reaching their first semi-final since 2015, thought they had the perfect start when Cedric Bakambu found the net early on, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a foul on Ivory Coast’s goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana.
As the game progressed, Ivory Coast began to assert their dominance, creating several opportunities towards the end of the first half. Haller and Franck Kessie both came close to breaking the deadlock, with Haller missing a free header and Kessie striking the post with a powerful shot from the edge of the area.
The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when Borussia Dortmund’s forward, Haller, volleyed a cross into the ground, which then looped over DR Congo’s goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and into the net. This goal proved to be the winner, sending the host nation through to the final.
DR Congo pushed hard for an equalizer in the closing stages of the match but were unable to find a way through Ivory Coast’s defense, ending their quest for their first title since 1974.
A Remarkable Turnaround for Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast’s journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. After a challenging group stage that saw them narrowly advance as one of the best third-placed teams, the Elephants have grown in confidence and performance under interim coach Emerse Fae. The team has rallied from behind in knockout matches against Senegal and Mali, showcasing their resilience and determination.
The nation now stands united behind the team, with a sense of belief and destiny that Ivory Coast can overcome Nigeria in the final to lift the AFCON trophy on home turf.
Player of the Match: Simon Adingra
Simon Adingra, the 22-year-old winger from Brighton, was a constant threat throughout the match, energizing the crowd with his dynamic runs and skillful play. Although he didn’t directly contribute to the goal, Adingra’s performance was instrumental in Ivory Coast’s attacking efforts.
Player Ratings
Ivory Coast saw standout performances from several players, including Haller, who scored the crucial goal, and Kessie, who was a dominant force in midfield. The team’s defense also held strong, keeping a clean sheet against a determined DR Congo side.
Match Highlights
- 40’ – Haller misses a golden opportunity with a free header.
- 42’ – Kessie’s shot hits the post, narrowly missing out on giving Ivory Coast the lead.
- 65’ – Haller scores the winning goal with a well-executed volley.
Ivory Coast now looks forward to the final against Nigeria, in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations. The host nation’s journey from the brink of elimination to the final has captivated fans, and they will be hoping to complete their remarkable turnaround with a victory on Sunday.
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