The AFCON hosts reached the final with a narrow win over Congo.
Ivory Coast defeated DR Congo 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON )semi-finals on Wednesday. Sebastian Haller’s second-half strike secured the hosts’ place in the final.
What happened?
Ivory Coast didn’t show enough attacking intensity as they struggled to find their feet in the game early on. The hosts grew into the game later in the first half but had to wait until the 65th minute to finally find the back of the net.
A searching cross from Max Gradel found Sebastian Haller, who smashed into the back of the net with a stunning shot from inside the box.
The goal forced the visitors to put more bodies forward, providing Ivory Coast with a number of counter-attacking chances. However, attacks on neither side were successful, as the game ended in a 1-0 victory for the AFCON hosts.
Ivory Coast vs DR Congo: Man of the Match
Ghislain Konan deserves the Man of the Match title for a brilliant performance on the left-hand side of Ivory Coast’s backline. In addition to a solid defensive display, Konan consistently contributed to his side’s counter-attacking runs throughout the game.
Player Ratings
Ivory Coast: Y. Fofana (7), Singo (7), Boly (7), Ndicka (7), Konan (8), Kessie (6), Seri (6), S. Fofana (6), Adingra (6), Haller (7), Gradel (7).
Bench: Sangare (6), Amani (7), Bamba (6), Boga (-), Krasso (-).
DR Congo: M’Pasi (6), Kalulu (6), Mbemba (7), Inonga (7), Masuaku (7), Pickel (5), Moutoussamy (6), Elia (6), Kakuta (7), Wissa (6), Bakambu (6).
Bench: Bongoda (6), Banza (6), Tshibola (6), Mayele (6), Mvumpa (5).
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