Preview Ivory Coast vs DR Congo - African Nations Cup

African Nations Cup - Ivory Coast vs DR Congo
Match Time: 08-02-2024 03:00 Thursday (GMT+7)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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A place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations is the prize as hosts Ivory Coast battle DR Congo on Wednesday. The Ivorians continue to find ways to eke out results and could be set for something similar in a closely fought semi-final encounter.

Ivory Coast secured a place in the last four of the AFCON after claiming a 2-1 extra-time victory over Mali in the quarter-finals. They looked to be down and out after conceding midway through the second half but Simon Adingra netted a late equaliser before Oumar Diakite grabbed the winner.

It has been one dramatic AFCON campaign for Ivory Coast, who have established a knack for coming back from the dead. They were only minutes from crashing out at the group stage before progressing as one of the third best placed teams, and have required late goals to remain in the knockout stage.

While it has not been a smooth campaign, Ivory Coast will begin to feel they have a date with destiny. However, manager Emerse Fae will need to sort out their defence as the Elephants have conceded in their last four matches.

It was a bit more straightforward for DR Congo in the quarter-final as they eased to a 3-1 victory over Guinea. They fought back from a goal down with efforts from Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa and Arthur Masuaku earning them the win.

It may have been fairly straightforward in the quarter-finals, but DR Congo’s overall campaign in Ivory Coast has been far from smooth. That was their first outright win in the competition having drawn their previous four matches.

Manager Sebastien Desabre will be pleased with the attacking verve shown by DR Congo last time out. However, their defence remains a worry as they have kept just one clean sheet in five matches at the AFCON.

Picks: Ivory Coast to win