AFCON 2023: Haller back amongst the goals as hosts Cote D’Ivoire pip Congo to final

Côte d’Ivoire is headed to play for a continental title after securing a 1-0 victory over DR Congo on Wednesday (7 February) at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

With their semi-final win, Côte d’Ivoire will have a chance to capture their first title since 2015 when they defeated Ghana in the final to win. The squad’s only other AFCON title came in 1992.

On Wednesday, it was a tight first period of play.

But, there were plenty of opportunities for both sides in the scoreless half, including two late chances for the hosts as Sébastien Haller’s shot on goal went wide off a cross from Wilfried Singo in the 40th minute and three minutes later as Franck Kessie hit the goal post.

The Ivorian Elephants appeared to feed off that late first half momentum as the second half got underway.

Fifteen minutes into the period, Haller would not be denied again, finding the back of the net at the 65th minute. Côte d’Ivoire had a 1-0 lead that would sustain them through to the end.

Having held off DR Congo, they advance to the final game, scheduled for Sunday (11 February) where they’ll face off with Nigeria. The two squads played earlier in the tournament during group play where Nigeria notched a narrow 1-0 win in an intense match.