In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast defeated the DR of the Congo with a goal by Sebastien Haller, securing a final matchup with Nigeria.
In the sixty-fifth minute, Haller’s shot overcame Leopards custodian Lionel Mpasi to score the sole goal of a cagey match in Abidjan.
The striker for Borussia Dortmund should have opened the score with an unmarked header shortly before halftime, and Haller also went close to doubling the lead with a lob that went just wide.
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Even though Meschack Elia missed a volley that would have gone in the left-hand upright and Simon Banza missed a shot that would have gone in injury time, DR Congo did not appear to have a late equaliser.
After barely making it past the group stage, Ivory Coast fired manager Jean-Louis Gasset and required late goals against Mali and Senegal to advance to the round of four.
But now that the Elephants are playing Nigeria, the three-time winners, in Abidjan on Sunday (20:00 GMT), interim manager Emerse Fae has the opportunity to lead the team to a third continental crown, adding to their victories in 1992 and 2015.
After a thrilling 1-1 draw in Bouake, the Super Eagles defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties to advance to the championship match earlier on Wednesday.
