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National teams 08 February 2024, 02:23

Singo's Ivory Coast reaches the final of the Africa Cup of Nations!

Singo's Ivory Coast reaches the final of the Africa Cup of Nations!
At the end of one of the only matches in the competition that the host country truly mastered from start to finish, the Ivorian Elephants punched their ticket to the final of AFCON 2024, dominating the DR Congo.

A semifinal that looked like a final! This is what was announced ahead of the clash in the last four of the Africa Cup of Nations between the Ivory Coast of Wilfried Singo and the DR Congo. And it was clear that the second big match this Wednesday, after the qualification earlier of  Nigeria against South Africa (1-1, 4-2 penalties), kept all its promises.

Singo works hard… without success

In the eleven at kick-off, the Monegasque number 99 saw his team lead the debates in an almost one-sided first period. With almost 60% of the ball and the best opportunities, it was indeed the Ivorians who took the initiative. And it was even from our defender that two of the best chances came, on precise crosses for the heads of Adingra (17′) and Haller (40′), which unfortunately were off target.

A winner from Haller!

Thus there was domination, but no finishing, like the post hit by captain Franck Kessié (42′). The two teams therefore went into the break with a goalless draw. In the second period, the former Barcelona player this time came up against the Congolese goalkeeper (59′). The DRC held on, before conceding just after the hour mark on a volley by Sébastien Haller (1-0, 65′)!

Another derby in perspective…

He was even close to a double on a lob from 25 meters (71′). A few rare incursions by the Leopards would make the fans at the Stade Alassane Ouattara tremble. But come full time Ivory Coast had a benchmark win in the semifinal of AFCON, and could dream a little more of a third title in its history (1992, 2015).

To do this, this time we will have to face another big favorite on Sunday: a Nigeria featuring Nice striker Terem Moffi. A derby at the same time as the Derby, it had to have been. Daghe Wilfried! 🇨🇮


Road to the final! 🔜

Africa Cup of Nations – 2024 Final
Sunday, February 11: Nigéria 🇳🇬 – Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮 in Abidjan at the Stade Alassane Ouattara (Kickoff 2000)

Photos: Icon Sport