Haller's Goal Sends Ivory Coast to AFCON 2024 Final, Knocks Out DR Congo

Sebastien Haller emerged as the standout performer, securing the sole goal of the match as Ivory Coast triumphed over the Democratic Republic of Congo with a 1-0 victory, propelling them into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.

Making his debut start in the tournament after recovering from an injury, Borussia Dortmund's striker, Haller, capitalized on a cross from Max-Alain Gradel in the 65th minute at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium. His precise shot sailed over the goalkeeper, finding the back of the net.

This solitary goal settled a tense yet riveting semi-final encounter, clinching Ivory Coast's place in the final showdown against Nigeria at the same venue on Sunday to vie for the championship title.

As two-time champions, Ivory Coast's remarkable journey marks them as the first host nation to reach the Cup of Nations final since Egypt achieved the feat in 2006. Their resurgence is particularly striking, considering they were teetering on the brink of elimination during the group stage.

Conversely, it was a heart-wrenching defeat for DR Congo, who harbored hopes of making their maiden appearance in an AFCON final since their victory as Zaire in 1974.

Described as "miraculous" by their interim coach Emerse Fae, Ivory Coast's campaign at the tournament underwent a dramatic transformation after a dismal performance in the group stage led to the dismissal of Jean-Louis Gasset.

Following a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on January 22, their redemption journey commenced. They barely advanced to the round of 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams and subsequently eliminated reigning champions Senegal in a penalty shootout. Their quarter-final victory over Mali, achieved despite playing with ten men for most of the match, was sealed with a late winner in extra time.

Several key players were absent for Ivory Coast in the semi-final clash, including Oumar Diakite and captain Serge Aurier due to suspension. However, the introduction of Simon Adingra and Haller proved pivotal, with the latter finally attaining full fitness.

Meanwhile, DR Congo sought revenge for their 3-1 defeat to Ivory Coast in the 2015 AFCON semi-finals.

Throughout the tournament, Congo's players have been motivated by a desire to raise awareness of the ongoing violence affecting millions in the eastern part of the country. Their demonstration during the national anthem, symbolizing the plight of their compatriots, echoed their determination on the field.

Despite a promising start, with Cedric Bakambu seemingly finding the net early on, only to have the goal disallowed, DR Congo failed to capitalize on their opportunities. Ivory Coast, growing in momentum as the first half progressed, threatened with chances from Haller and Franck Kessie.

The breakthrough arrived in the second half, courtesy of Haller's opportunistic strike, sending the home crowd into euphoria and securing Ivory Coast's place in the final.

In the dying moments, Ivory Coast pressed for another goal, but Haller's efforts narrowly missed the target. Nevertheless, one goal proved sufficient, marking a triumphant conclusion to a captivating semi-final encounter.