In the second semi-final, Ivory Coast will face DR Congo at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium in Abidjan. Despite a rocky start, including a 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea, the Elephants have undergone a remarkable turnaround. After sacking coach Jean-Louis Gasset, they secured a spot as the last of the four best third-placed teams.

Under interim coach Fae, Ivory Coast knocked out holders Senegal in the last 16 and clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Mali in the quarterfinals. Despite being reduced to 10 men and trailing, they leveled in the 90th minute and won in added time at the end of extra time.

Midfielder Seko Fofana expressed the team’s newfound fearlessness, stating, “After Equatorial Guinea, we were at the bottom of a hole. We had to wait and hope that we would qualify, which happened, and now we are not afraid of anything.”

Key Players and Considerations

Ivory Coast will be without suspended players Kossounou and Diakite, opening the possibility for striker Sebastien Haller to return to the starting XI. Although missing the group stage due to injury, Haller has made a significant impact off the bench.

DR Congo, dreaming of reaching the final for the first time since 1974 when they were champions as Zaire, overcame Egypt in the last 16 on penalties and defeated Guinea 3-1 in the quarters. The team’s aspirations are high as they eye a historic final appearance.