Sebastien Haller sent hosts Cote d’Ivoire into the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final as they defeated Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in Wednesday’s second semifinal at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.
It was a massive turnaround for the host, who looked likely to be eliminated after the group stage and had fired their coach Jean-Louis Gasset, only to sneak into the knockouts and make it all the way to the decisive game of the Cup of Nations tournament.
Haller’s 65th-minute goal continued the remarkable recovery by the Ivorians, who will now take on Nigeria in Sunday’s final.
Nigeria earlier beat South Africa on penalties in Wednesday’s other semifinal in Bouake.
Striker Haller missed two other good chances and Franck Kessie struck the woodwork in a deserved win for Ivory Coast.