After Nigeria’s victory against South Africa, the other semi-final of this 34th African Cup of Nations pitted, Wednesday February 7 in Abidjan, the organizing country, Côte d’Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Thanks to a winning volley from Sébastien Haller, the Elephants won. Here they are qualified for “their” final at home.
Published on: 02/07/2024 – 10:56 p.m. Modified on: 02/07/2024 – 11:19 p.m.
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From our special correspondent at the Alassane Ouattara stadium in Ebimpé,
That’s it, the casting of the finale of this CAN 2024 is known. Nigeria, winners earlier against South Africa on Wednesday, will face, on February 11, the Ivory Coast. Just after the late success of the Super Eagles near Bouaké, the locals began the other semi-final of the competition in Ebimpé.
No one has forgotten that it was in this stadium that the Elephants were humiliated in the first round by the Equatorial Guinea (4-0). But since then, the national team has changed coach and mentality. And the DRC knew that it was going to see a very different Ivory Coast rise before it from the one that had collapsed a little over two weeks ago.
Read alsoCAN 2024: All the results and the date of the final
Kessié finds the post
In an overheated atmosphere, with, unsurprisingly, an overwhelming majority of Ivorian supporters in the stands (51,020 spectators in total), this match started at a very good pace, with two teams determined to open the game. Cédric Bakambu thought even opened the scoring (9th), but the referee signaled a foul by Meschack Elia on the Ivorian goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana.
Later, another alert sounded for Ivory Coast with this parade from Fofana in front of Yoane Wissa (28th), even though the Congolese had not been flagged offside (he was). The match became balanced, however, and the Elephants, increasingly comfortable, almost made the difference before the break.
Sébastien Haller, holder at the forefront, first attempted an acrobatic return, without finding the target (35th). The striker, receiving a cross from Wilfried Singo, then smashed in a powerful header, still off target (40th). And finally, Franck Kessié, all powerful, fired a shot which ended up on… Lionel Mpasi’s post (42nd).
Haller sends the Elephants to the final
The start of the second act saw the Leopards once again cause some scares to the Ivorian defense, notably with Theo Bongonda, replacing Gaël Kakuta who was short of pace. The domination of the Ivory Coast nevertheless quickly resumed, and the Congolese barrier ended up giving way.
Mpasi first deflected another attempt from Kessié, but he had to give in a few minutes later to Haller’s gesture. Forgotten in the area, the slender center forward volleyed with his right foot a cross from Max-Alain Gradel. The trajectory of its recovery lobbied Mpasi and liberated the tens of thousands of supporters present at Ebimpé (65th).
Sébastien Desabre, the DRC coach, tried to remobilize his troops to resurface. Nothing happened though. Ivory Coast, unstoppable since Emerse Faé took charge, did not let go of this precious advantage obtained thanks to Sébastien Haller’s first goal in the competition.
The dream of a home victory in this CAN is now within reach of the Elephants. They have a meeting with their destiny and with experienced Nigeria on Sunday.
2024-02-07 21:56:24
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