CAN 2023: Côte d'Ivoire out DRC and face Nigeria in the final!

In the second semi-final of the CAN 2023, Côte d'Ivoire beat the DRC 1-0 thanks to a Haller goal. The Elephants will face Nigeria in the final!

Following Nigeria's qualification for the final of the CAN 2023, the day's other semi-final was to deliver its verdict. It pitted hosts Côte d'Ivoire against the Democratic Republic of Congo. A special match for the hosts, who had the chance to reach the final after a hellish group stage. On the other side was the attractive DRC, hoping for a different scenario from 2015, when the Ivorians dominated the Congolese in the semi-final. For this match, Emerse Faé, deprived of 4 players, decided to put his faith in Sébastien Haller up front, while Seri once again started in midfield.

Before kick-off, the DRC players paid tribute during the anthem to the victims of the massacres in eastern DRC. On the pitch, it was Cédric Bakambu's team-mates who had the first chance. The new Betis striker opened the scoring, but the referee whistled for a foul on Yahia Fofana.

Then, at a fairly intense pace and in a very agitated Ebimpé stadium, Côte d'Ivoire responded with several chances. First Haller missed a header from close range when he was on his own (41st). Then it was Kessié who sent a fine left-footed shot against Mpasi's left-hand post (42nd). And both teams went into the locker room at 0-0.

After the break, the Elephants came back with the intention of scoring quickly. Faced with a retreating DRC side, the pressure mounted on Mpasi's goal. Emerse Faé decided to make two risky changes. He took off Séko Fofana, who had been very important since the start of the CAN, on the hour mark, and brought on Sangaré. The former Lens man was furious and went straight back into the dressing room. Seri also gave way to Lazare. Two minutes later, Sébastien Haller opened the scoring with a fine finish that hit the ground before lobbing over a helpless Mpasi (65th, 1-0). The goal sent the 58,900 fans in the stadium into raptures.

The goal rewarded the Dortmund striker, who had joined the national team injured, for his first-ever start. After this opening goal, the DRC tried to react and came out of their own camp. But it was too late, as the Ivorians locked their camp perfectly and seemed to have everything going for them.

And this was confirmed as the score never looked back. Côte d'Ivoire, on the brink of abyss just two weeks ago, will be playing in the final of their CAN. They face Nigeria this Sunday. The DRC, who seemed to be struggling in this match, will console themselves with the small final against South Africa.

Source : foot mercato