The Ivory Coast continued its success after a slow start in the Africa Cup of Nations journey to reach the final of the tournament held on its soil following a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Abidjan on Wednesday.
Sebastian Haller scored the winning goal for Ivory Coast in the 65th minute to face Nigeria, who triumphed over South Africa in a penalty shootout in the other semifinal match.
Ivory Coast, who parted ways with Jean-Louis Gasset and replaced him with local coach Emmerson Fai after barely making it to the top 4 teams and finishing third, has become the first host nation to reach the final since Egypt in 2006.
Cedric Bakambu thought he had given Congo an early lead before the goal was disallowed for a foul in favor of goalkeeper Yehou Fofana.
Haller took a double shot that was off target in the 35th minute before the left post denied a shot from his teammate Franck Kessie near halftime.
Substitute Theo Bongonda came close to scoring for Congo in the second half but his close-range shot went just wide of the left post.
Under pressure from Ivory Coast, veteran Max-Alain Gradel sent a cross that was turned into the net by Borussia Dortmund striker with a shot that bounced off the ground past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Haller missed two dangerous chances thereafter amidst his team’s dominance in the match, as Ivory Coast reached the final for the first time since 2015 when they claimed the title against Ghana.
Sebastian Haller opens the scoring for the Ivorian national team #AFCON #IvoryCoast_vs_Congo
