AFCON 2023: Haller’s Goal Against DR Congo Sets Up Ivory Coast for Final Clash Against Nigeria

• Ivory Coast defeated DR Congo in the semi-final to book a place in the AFCON 2023 final
• The Elephants will face one of the tournament's favourites in the final of the competition
• Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastian Haller was the match-winner for the tourney host

Ivory Coast have booked a place in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating DR Congo in the semi-final on Wednesday evening.

A second-half goal from Sebastian Haller gave the host nation a deserved win over DR Congo in the last four.

The Leopards thought they had gotten an early lead, but Cedric Bakambu's goal was disallowed for a foul on Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.

Les Elephants also came close to ending the first half with the lead, but Franck Kessie's strike hit the post on the far right.

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The host nation took the lead in the 65th minute after Borussia Dortmund striker Haller met with Max Gradel's cross from the right.

The former Ajax striker was close to making it 2-0 a few minutes later, but his header couldn't hit the target.

He had another golden chance to double the host lead after an awful defensive move from DR Congo, but his effort bounced inches wide.

The Leopards could not get the equaliser as Ivory Coast marched on to the final where they will face Nigeria's Super Eagles on Sunday (February 11).

Both teams faced in the group stage, with the Super Eagles claiming a 1-0 victory courtesy of William Troost-Ekong's goal.

DR Congo will get the chance to finish the tournament with a medal when they face South Africa's Bafana Bafana in the third place playoff.

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Ivory Coast still chasing AFCON miracle

Sports Brief also previously reported that Ivory Coast are determined to continue their miraculous run at the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Interim coach, Emerse Fae had urged his team to go into the semi-final tie against DR Congo with the same mindset that has seen them through so far.