AFCON 2024 Final: Unstoppable Haller Fires Ivory Coast into AFCON 2024 Final, Crushing DR Congo.

AFCON 2024 final spot secured by Ivory coast with Haller’s decisive goal, eliminating DR Congo.

Sebastien Haller emerged as the match-winner, scoring the solitary goal of the game, as Ivory Coast triumphed over the Democratic Republic of Congo with a 1-0 victory. This remarkable performance secured their place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.

In his tournament debut after recovering from an injury, Borussia Dortmund striker Haller successfully connected with a cross from Max-Alain Gradel in the 65th minute at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium.

His shot, which looped over the goalkeeper, found the back of the net. This goal proved to be decisive in a tense yet open semi-final match. As a result, the Ivorian team will now face Nigeria at the same venue on Sunday to determine the champion of the tournament.

It is worth noting that the Ivorians have achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first host country since Egypt in 2006 to reach the final of the Cup of Nations. Their journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, considering they were on the verge of elimination during the group stage.

On the other hand, DR Congo experienced a devastating loss, which was a stark contrast to their dreams of reaching the AFCON final for the first time since their victory as Zaire in 1974.

Prior to this game, Ivory Coast’s performance in the tournament had been labeled as “miraculous” by their interim coach Emerse Fae, who took over after Jean-Louis Gasset was dismissed due to disappointing results in the group stage.

After a humiliating 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea on January 22, Ivory Coast found themselves on the brink of elimination. This match against DR Congo was their first at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium on the outskirts of Abidjan since that defeat.

Despite their struggles, the Elephants managed to advance to the last 16 as one of the four best third-placed teams. They then eliminated the reigning champions, Senegal, in a penalty shootout.

In the quarter-finals, Ivory Coast overcame Mali, even though they played most of the match with only 10 players. Their winning goal came in added time during extra time.

Due to suspensions, key players such as Oumar Diakite, the match-winner against Mali, as well as captain Serge Aurier, Odilon Kossounou, and Christian Kouame, were unable to participate in this game. However, new additions like Brighton winger Simon Adingra, who scored the equalizer against Mali, and the fully fit talismanic forward Haller, were brought in.

DR Congo sought revenge for their previous 3-1 defeat against Ivory Coast in the AFCON semi-finals back in 2015.

Congo demonstration in the AFCON semi-finals.

The determination of the Congo team to raise awareness of the ongoing violence in the east of the country has been a driving force for their players throughout this tournament.

In a powerful protest, each player covered their mouth with one hand and used the other to mimic a gun pointing at their heads during the national anthem.

Despite facing a hostile home crowd, the Leopards started the match strongly and almost found the back of the net in the ninth minute.

Cedric Bakambu managed to knock the ball past goalkeeper Yahia Fofana and into the corner of the net, but unfortunately, the goal was disallowed by the Libyan referee due to a foul.

The Ivorians had the best opportunities in the first half and posed a growing threat as the interval approached.

In the 40th minute, Haller had a golden opportunity to score as he rose unmarked in the box, but he disappointingly headed wide from Wilfried Singo’s well-placed cross. Shortly after, Franck Kessie struck the post with a powerful shot.

Kessie continued to be a threat and forced goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi into action with another strong strike just before the hour mark. However, the breakthrough finally came shortly after.

Max-Alain Gradel delivered a cross from the right side, and Haller attempted a hopeful rather than confident strike. The connection was not perfect, but the ball bounced onto the ground and then arched over the head of the helpless Mpasi, finding its way into the net.

The crowd erupted into frenzied celebrations, while Fae enthusiastically jumped around in his designated technical area.

Buoyed by their success, the home team continued their aggressive play. Haller headed the ball onto the roof of the net from an Adingra corner and narrowly missed a lob when faced with only Mpasi to beat.

Despite only scoring one goal, the deafening roar of the crowd welcomed the final whistle, signifying their victory.

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