Sebastien Haller’s decisive goal propelled Ivory Coast to a 1-0 victory over DR Congo in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, securing their spot in the final against Nigeria.
The lone goal arrived in the 65th minute of a tense matchup in Abidjan, as Haller’s volley ricocheted off the ground and sailed past Leopards goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
The Borussia Dortmund striker had missed an opportunity to break the deadlock just before halftime with an unchallenged header, and later narrowly missed another chance to extend the lead with a lob shot.
DR Congo struggled to mount a late comeback, with Meschack Elia and Simon Banza missing key opportunities to level the score.
Ivory Coast, who had dismissed Jean-Louis Gasset as manager prior to the tournament, advanced to the final after narrow victories over Senegal and Mali in the group stage.
Interim coach Emerse Fae now has the opportunity to guide the Elephants to their third continental title, adding to previous triumphs in 1992 and 2015, when they face Nigeria in Abidjan on Sunday.
The match marked Ivory Coast’s return to the Alassane Ouattara Stadium since their 4-0 defeat by Equatorial Guinea, a result that nearly eliminated them from the tournament.
Fae made strategic changes to the squad, with captain Serge Aurier, centre-back Odilon Kossounou, and forward Christian Kouame suspended.
During the anthems, the DR Congo team staged a protest, advocating for peace in the eastern part of the country.
Both teams had scoring opportunities in the first half, with Cedric Bakambu’s goal disallowed due to a foul on the goalkeeper.
Ivorian right-back Wilfried Singo posed a threat with his deliveries, while Haller missed a crucial chance just before halftime.
After the break, DR Congo’s Theo Bongonda nearly scored, but his shot found the side-netting.
Haller’s winning goal came from Max-Alain Gradel’s cross, catching Mpasi off-guard as it dipped under the crossbar.
Despite efforts to equalize, DR Congo couldn’t break through Ivory Coast’s defense, ending their impressive run in the tournament.
Ivory Coast’s journey to the final marks a significant achievement for Fae, who could secure Africa’s most prestigious trophy in just his fourth game as manager.
