Ivory Coast vs DR Congo AFCON 2023 SF Predictions, Picks and Preview: Team News, Form Guide

• Ivory Coast and DR Congo lock horns in the semi-finals this Wednesday
• The Elephants moved to the last 4 after beating Mali in the quarter-finals
• The Leopards secured a spot in the AFCON semis after beating Guinea 3-1

The stage is set for a mouth-watering showdown at Alassane Ouattara Stadium this coming Wednesday (February 7).

Ivory Coast will square off against DR Congo in a pivotal semi-final matchup in Abidjan.

Read on as Sports Brief brings you a preview of this blockbuster AFCON clash.

Ivory Coast vs. DR Congo Preview

Form Guide

The Elephants and the Leopards were far from impressive in the group stage, each scoring three points. They still advanced to the knockout round despite that low total and have recorded upset wins to reach the Final Four.

Lookman double takes Nigeria past Cameroon and into AFCON quarters

Football

Ivory Coast defeated defending champions, Senegal in a penalty shootout in the Round of 16 before beating Mali in come-from-behind fashion in the quarter-finals, per CAF.

DR Congo, on the other hand, defeated seven-time champions, Egypt on penalties in the Round of 16 before ousting Guinea in the quarters.

Recent Head-to-Head Matchups

The last time these two sides faced each other in the Africa Cup of Nations knockout round was back in 2015, also during the semi-final stage.

The Elephants won that contest 3-1, with Gervinho, Yaya Toure, and Wilfried Kanon the goal-scorers for the Ivorians, per France24.

DR Congo and Ivory Coast's previous meeting came in the CAF African Nations Championship last year with the match ending in a goalless draw.

Team News

The dramatic victory against Mali came at a huge price for Ivory Coast as two of their players were sent off in that contest.

AFCON 2023: Nigeria’s Quarter Final Opponent Confirmed After Beating Cameroon in Round of 16

Football

Oumar Diakite and Odilon Kossounou received red cards and will miss the game against DR Congo as a result, per The Standard.

Willy Boly is expected to step in for the banned Kossounou in defence, while Sebastien Haller may be called upon to bolster their attack.

The Leopards have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the crunch semis clash.

Writer's Prediction

Ivory Coast edge past DR Congo 2-1 to reach the AFCON final.

Nigeria vs. South Africa Preview

Sports Brief has also reported previewed the game between Nigeria and South Africa.

The Super Eagles are coming off a 1-0 win over Angola to reach the semi-final stage.

Bafana Bafana, on the other hand, edged past Cape Verde in a post-match shootout.