Elephants Charge into Final! Ivory Coast Defeat DR Congo 1-0 to Set Up AFCON 2024 Showdown with Nigeria
Ivory Coast, February 8, 2024: The roar of the Ivorian crowd echoed through the stadium as the host nation secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over DR Congo, booking their place in the AFCON 2024 final. Sébastien Haller’s 65th-minute strike proved to be the decisive moment, propelling the Elephants towards a potential historic triumph on home soil.
After a tightly contested first half, the game exploded into life after the break. Both sides traded blows, but it was Haller who rose to the occasion. The experienced striker latched onto a precise cross from Wilfried Zaha, directing a powerful header past the despairing dive of DR Congo goalkeeper Ley Matampi.
The goal ignited the Ivorian faithful, with a wave of passionate support propelling their team forward. DR Congo refused to go down without a fight, creating chances of their own, but the Ivorian defense stood firm, marshaled by the impressive Serge Aurier.
The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation, with players, coaching staff, and fans erupting in celebration. The journey to the final has been anything but smooth for Ivory Coast, but their resilience and fighting spirit have shone through, defying the odds and silencing critics.
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“This is incredible,” beamed a visibly emotional coach Emerse Fae after the match. “We’ve faced challenges, but this team has heart. We knew the importance of this game for our country, and we delivered. Now, we face another tough opponent in Nigeria, but we’ll be ready.
The victory sets up a mouthwatering final between Ivory Coast and Nigeria, a repeat of the 2015 final won by the Elephants. Both teams come into the match in good form, but the added pressure of playing at home and the desire to avenge their group stage defeat to the Super Eagles will undoubtedly motivate Ivory Coast.
Key stats:
- Final score: Ivory Coast 1 (S. Haller 65′) – 0 DR Congo
- Man of the Match: Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast)
- Next up: Ivory Coast vs. Nigeria in the AFCON 2024 final on February 11th
Can the Elephants roar past the Super Eagles and claim their third AFCON title? The stage is set for an epic final at the AFCON 2024!
