IVORY COAST BEAT DR CONGO THROUGH TO FINAL OF AFCON CUP 2024

The Ivory Coast continues its remarkable journey in the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite dismissing their head coach during the group stage, the host nation is now just one step away from clinching the tournament title following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over DR Congo on Wednesday. Sebastien Haller, the Dortmund striker, sealed the win with a decisive goal in the second half, setting up a final showdown against Nigeria on Sunday.

Sebastien Haller's decisive goal propelled Ivory Coast closer to their dream of winning their maiden AFCON title on home turf, securing a 1-0 triumph over DR Congo in a fiercely contested semi-final in Abidjan. 

After narrowly avoiding elimination in the group stage, the hosts are now on the cusp of claiming their third continental crown, showcasing one of their most composed performances of the tournament.

DR Congo, making their first semi-final appearance since 2015, thought they had taken the lead early on through Cedric Bakambu's close-range header, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a foul on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

As the first half progressed, Ivory Coast grew in confidence and came close to taking the lead before halftime with a series of late chances. Despite a missed header by Haller and Franck Kessie's shot hitting the post, they eventually broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Haller's volley bounced off the turf and looped over Lionel Mpasi into the net. Despite DR Congo's late push for an equalizer, Ivory Coast held on to secure their spot in the final, ending DR Congo's bid for their first title since 1974.

In Sunday's final against Nigeria, Ivory Coast will aim to crown their remarkable journey with championship glory.

Player of the Match

Simon Adingra (Ivory Coast). The 22-year-old winger delivered another dynamic performance, electrifying the crowd whenever he was in possession. While he didn't contribute directly to the goal, his pivotal role in Ivory Coast's overall strong performance couldn't be overlooked.

Player Ratings

IVORY COAST 

• Y Fofana 7, 
• Singo 8, 
• Boly 7, 
• Ndicka 7, 
• Konan 7, 
• Seri 7, 
• S Fofana 7, 
• Kessie 8, 
• Adingra 8, 
• Gradel 8, 
• Haller 7 

Subs: Amani 6, Sangare 6, Bamba 6, Krasso n/a, Boga n/a.

DR CONGO 

• M'Pasi 7, 
• Kalulu 6, 
• Mbemba 6, 
• Inonga 6, 
• Masuaku 7, 
• Moutoussamy 6, 
• Pickel 6,
• Wissa 6, 
• Elia 6, 
• Kakuta 6, 
• Bakambu 6. 

Subs: Bongonda 7, Tshibola 6, Mayele 6, Banza 6, Katompa 6.