In a thrilling semi-final clash, Ivory Coast clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, securing their spot in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024. Hosted at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium on Wednesday, the match witnessed Borussia Dortmund striker Sébastien Haller emerge as the hero, marking his return from injury with a crucial goal.
Haller’s moment of brilliance arrived in the 65th minute when he connected with a Max-Alain Gradel cross, guiding his shot over the goalkeeper and into the net. The goal proved to be the decisive strike in a tense encounter, propelling Ivory Coast into the AFCON final.
The Ivorian team’s journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. Facing the threat of elimination after a disappointing group stage performance, they defied the odds and rallied back with a series of impressive victories. Interim coach Emerse Fae, who took charge following the dismissal of Jean-Louis Gasset, has overseen a dramatic turnaround in the team’s fortunes.
Despite initial struggles, Ivory Coast’s determination and resilience shone through as they progressed through the tournament. From narrowly qualifying for the knockout stage to defeating reigning champions Senegal and dramatically overcoming Mali, their path to the final has been paved with grit and determination.
In contrast, the defeat was a bitter disappointment for DR Congo, who harbored hopes of reaching their first AFCON final since 1974. Despite their spirited performance, they were unable to find a breakthrough against a stubborn Ivorian defense.
With this victory, the Ivory Coast became the first host country since Egypt in 2006 to reach the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. They will now face Nigeria in a highly anticipated showdown to determine the ultimate champion of AFCON 2024.