From our special correspondent in Abidjan – Ivory Coast beat DR Congo on Wednesday in the semi-final of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) thanks to a goal from Sébastien Haller (1-0). At home, she will challenge Nigeria on Sunday for a third star.
Published on: 07/02/2024 – 22:55
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The Elephants don’t stop! No incredible scenario, no turnaround, but Côte d’Ivoire continues its journey towards a third star. On Wednesday February 7, she overcame DR Congo 1-0 in the semi-final and will face Nigeria in the final.
Already miraculous three times in its African Cup at home, Côte d’Ivoire now believes in its destiny and in its third star. Just like its supporters who fill the Ebimpé stadium to the brim and give their voice to chase away the ghosts of the humiliating defeat inflicted here by Equatorial Guinea. Even without four of its starters, the Elephants want to return for the final.
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However, in the first minutes, it is the DR Congo, the exciting outsider of this CAN who takes the game into their own hands. She gets several corners and on one of them Y. Fofana makes a mistake in catching the ball but ends up catching it. Elia still picks up to score. Goal logically refused (9th).
A balanced half-time
Supported by their supporters, the Elephants ended up reacting. Fofana launches Adingra who provokes on the left in front of Kalulu and crosses at ground level. It was no problem for M’Pasi but Mbemba still throws himself and sends the ball for a corner (16th).
The highlights follow one another on both sides of the field. The teams put on a show, like Bakambu (24th) then Haller (26th), who both attempted acrobatic flips. Kakuta, back, also shines.
But the Elephants spend the second before returning from the locker room. Haller is alone in front of goal when he takes a cross from the right but the attacker sends his header out of M’Pasi’s cage (40th). Then, well served by Gradel, Franck Kessié sees his instant shot bounce off Mpasi’s post (43rd). The whole stadium stood up on both occasions.
Returning from the locker room, Sébastien Desabre makes a change: Kakuta is replaced by Theo Bongonda. The latter shows up immediately. The number performs a festival in the Ivorian area but misses its conclusion which misses (49th).
Haller finds the loophole
But beyond this feat, the Leopards are falling back and seem blocked by the Ivorian midfielder. Franck Kessié, served on the right side, follows up with a powerful curling shot. M’Pasi diverts (59th).
On the other hand, the Congolese goalkeeper cannot do anything about Haller’s recovery a few minutes later. Gradel is in the center. The Dortmund striker seems to miss his recovery but it lobs M’Pasi (65th, 1-0). The stadium capsizes with happiness.
He screamed again when their darling missed the double. On a long ball thrown by Ndicka on the left, Kalulu finds himself in trouble. The ball lands at the feet of Haller who attempts a 20-metre lob which goes just wide (71st).
Before giving up his place, Elia sounds the revolt after the cool-off break. He attempts a volley from the edge of the area. Yahia Fofana is beaten but it misses the mark (78th). Seko Fofana responds with a 20-meter strike, pushed back by the Congolese defense (79th).
Ivory Coast has its victory and is not going to let it slip away like that. She plays together, locks the game and punches her ticket for the final. Twenty-nine days after playing the opening match, she will return to Ébimpé and her fiery atmosphere for the final against Nigeria. A real star-studded duel.
