Ivory Coast 1-0 DR Congo: Host nation through to AFCON final after Sebastien Haller bags winning goal - Eurosport

Sebastien Haller scored the decisive goal to help Ivory Coast stay in the running for their first AFCON championship title while playing on their home turf. The team secured a hard-fought win over DR Congo with a score of 1-0 in a closely contested semi-final held in Abidjan.

The team that almost got eliminated during the group stage is now very close to becoming champions of their continent for the third time. They showed great confidence and skill during their latest game.

The DR Congo participated in their first semi-final game since 2015. Initially, they had a good start when Cedric Bakambu scored a goal by heading the ball in from a short distance. Unfortunately, the goal didn't count as there was a foul committed on goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

As the first half progressed, Ivory Coast improved and had several opportunities to score but were unfortunate not to take the lead before halftime. Haller missed a clear header, and then Franck Kessie hit the post with a powerful shot from the right-hand side of the field.

The second part of the match was intense but the home team ultimately scored first at the 65-minute mark. Haller, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, hit the ball with a strong kick that first hit the ground before going over Lionel Mpasi's head and into the goal.

The DR Congo tried hard to even the score towards the end but were unable to create an opportunity and unfortunately, their attempt to win their first championship title since 1974 was unsuccessful.

The Ivory Coast team is going to confront Nigeria in the finale of Sunday's game in Abidjan.

Ivory Coast One Win Away From Remarkable Turnaround

Could it be preordained that The Elephants will clinch their third AFCON championship on their own turf come Sunday night?

We're not sure yet, but the progress of the team throughout this tournament has been truly remarkable.

They won one match but lost two in the first round, which put them in a tough situation as the fifth best team among the third-placed teams (while only the top four teams could advance, in addition to the top two from each group).

However, there was a miraculous turn of events in the stoppage time causing Ghana to surrender, giving a sudden relief.

The main coach, Jean-Louis Gasset, had already taken responsibility and stepped down from his position. However, the temporary leader, Emerse Fae, has led the team to a remarkable revival.

Since then, there have been additional exciting occasions, such as beating Senegal and Mali in surprise victories after initially lagging behind. However, they are currently on the verge of achieving something extremely noteworthy, especially since their previous overwhelming defeat to Equatorial Guinea that made it appear as though it transpired ages ago.

The nation has strong faith and a great sense of determination, which will undoubtedly make it difficult for Nigeria's Super Eagles to beat The Elephants on Sunday.

"Star Performer: Player Of The Game"

Simon Adingra, a 22-year-old footballer from Ivory Coast, had an impressive performance as a winger. Whenever he had the ball, the audience eagerly anticipated his next move. Although he didn't directly contribute to the team's goal, he played a crucial role in many of Ivory Coast's successful plays during their strong performance. Adingra currently plays for Brighton as a forward.

Ivory Coast played a great match with a team consisting of Y Fofana, Singo, Boly, Ndicka, Konan, Seri, S Fofana, Kessie, Adingra, Gradel, and Haller. The substitutes were Amani, Sangare, Bamba, Krasso, and Boga, although the latter two did not have the opportunity to play. All players performed at a high level, with Adingra, Gradel, and Kessie standing out with scores of 8.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo's recent match, the following players scored these ratings: M'Pasi got a 7, Kalulu and Mbemba scored a 6, Inonga and Masuaku both got 7s, Moutoussamy, Pickel, Wissa, Elia, and Kakuta all scored 6s. The substitutes Bongonda, Tshibola, Mayele, Banza, and Katompa all scored 6s.

In the 40th minute, Ivory Coast had a great opportunity to score. Haller missed an incredible chance to head the ball towards the goal from Singo's accurate cross.

There was a chance for Ivory Coast at the 42nd minute mark! Kessie ran quickly towards Gradel's touch and took a shot from 18 yards away, but unfortunately, it hit the far post and bounced back.

At 48 minutes, DR Congo had a good opportunity to score! Bongonda skillfully moved into the box from the right while dodging some opposing players, and then shot a ball that hit the side of the net closest to him.

In the 65th minute of the match between Ivory Coast and DR Congo, there was a goal scored by Haller. He used his skills as a former West Ham forward to make the breakthrough. It was a right-wing cross that he volleyed into the floor. He couldn't contain his excitement as the ball looped over the keeper and into the net, causing him to celebrate happily.

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