Summary
CAN 2024: thanks to Haller, Ivory Coast beats the DRC and will meet Nigeria in the final
After Nigeria's victory against South Africa, the other semi-final of this 34th African Cup of Nations pitted, Wednesday February 7 in Abidjan, the organizing country, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). And thanks to a winning volley from Sébastien Haller, the Elephants won. Here they are qualified for “their” final at home.
Sebastien Haller AP - Sunday Alamba
By: Nicolas Bamba Follow
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From our special correspondent at the Alassane Ouattara stadium in Ebimpé,
That's it, the casting for the final of this
CAN 2024
is known. Nigeria, winner of South Africa earlier on Wednesday, will face
Ivory Coast
on February 11 . Just after the late success of the Super Eagles near Bouaké, the locals began the other semi-final of the competition in Ebimpé.
No one has forgotten that it was in this stadium that the Elephants were humiliated in the first round by
Equatorial Guinea (4-0)
. But since then, the national team has changed coach and mentality. And the DRC knew that it was going to see a very different Ivory Coast rise before it from the one that collapsed a little over two weeks ago.
Read alsoCAN 2024: All the results and the date of the final
Kessié finds the post
In an overheated atmosphere, with unsurprisingly an overwhelming majority of Ivorian supporters in the stands (51,020 spectators in total), this match started at a very good pace, with two teams determined to open the game. Cédric Bakambu thought of opening the score (9th), but the referee signaled a foul by Meschack Elia on the Ivorian goalkeeper, Yahia Fofana.
Later, another alert sounded for Ivory Coast with this parade from Fofana in front of Yoane Wissa (28th), even though the Congolese had not been flagged offside (which he was). The match was, however, balanced, and the Elephants, increasingly comfortable, almost made the difference before the break.
Sébastien Haller, holder at the forefront, first attempted an acrobatic return, without finding the target (35th). The striker, receiving a cross from Wilfried Singo, then smashed in a powerful header, still off target (40th). And finally, Franck Kessié, all powerful, fired a shot which ended up on... Lionel Mpasi's post (42nd).
More information to follow...
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