Afcon
Haller strike sends Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations final
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Sebastien Haller sent hosts Ivory Coast into the Africa Cup of Nations final as they beat Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in Wednesday’s semi-final.
Haller’s 65th-minute goal at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium continued a remarkable recovery by the Ivorians who were almost eliminated in the group phase but will now take on Nigeria in Sunday’s final.
Nigeria beat South Africa on penalties in Wednesday’s other semi-final in Bouake.
Haller was making his first start after an ankle injury and his goal had a touch of fortune about it as he miscued his shot which bounced over Congolese goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi into the net.
A 4-0 loss to tiny Equatorial Guinea and the subsequent sacking of veteran French coach Jean Louis Gasset is now all forgotten amid the celebrations of a capacity home crowd.
“It’s like a dream for us. Two weeks ago we were far from thinking about the final. Overall I think this win was well deserved,” said Emerse Fae, who took over as interim coach.
DR Congo’s best opportunity came at the end of a mazy dribbling run from substitute Theo Bongonda early in the second half but he hit the side netting with his shot.
The Congolese were attempting to reach their first final in 50 years while the Ivorians are the first hosts to make the final in the last nine tournaments since Egypt in 2006.
“Little details made the difference tonight. We knew we had the capacity to move forward to the final but we were up against a very good Ivorian side,” said Congolese coach Sebastien Desabre.
DR Congo will play South Africa in the third place playoff in Abidjan on Saturday.
