Prediction: Ivory Coast vs DR Congo

Verdict: Ivory Coast win

Best odds: 28/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Ivory Coast will face DR Congo at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Wednesday in the second semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

This match marks the Elephants’ return to Ebimpe since their disappointing 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea during the group stage. Ivory Coast now has the opportunity to redeem themselves and please their supporters in Abidjan.

On the other hand, Congo will be eager to reach the competition’s final for the first time since 1974 and will provide a tough challenge for the nation hosting the tournament.

Ivory Coast

No team has embodied the drama of the Cup of Nations more than the host nation, Ivory Coast, who have persevered despite facing challenges with injuries and a disappointing group stage performance.

The Elephants faced the prospect of elimination after a heavy defeat in their final group-stage match against Equatorial Guinea. However, under the leadership of Emerse Fae, who took over from Jean-Louis Gasset before their fate was sealed, faith has been restored in the team.

Since Fae’s appointment, Ivory Coast have eliminated defending champions Senegal and staged a remarkable comeback with 10 men to score in the final minutes of regular and extra time, securing a thrilling victory over Mali that ignited celebrations in Bouake.

Although there are concerns about the team’s fatigue, having played additional minutes in the knockout stages, Ivory Coast aim to draw inspiration from the home crowd as they seek to reach their first final since winning the tournament in 2015.

Despite a tendency to start slowly and concede early goals in recent matches, Ivory Coast remain resilient and determined. They approach the semi-final clash against Congo with confidence, knowing they have the ability to mount comebacks and overcome challenges if need be.

Team News

Ivory Coast will be without Serge Aurier due to a yellow-card suspension. Also, Odilon Kossounou, who was sent off in the previous match against Mali for receiving two yellow cards, and Oumar Diakite, who received a second booking after scoring the quarter-final decider, are unavailable.

Sebastien Haller and Simon Adingra, who scored the 90-minute equalizer in the quarter-finals, have not started a game yet, but coach Fae may consider starting them both in Wednesday’s match.

If Ibrahim Sangare is fit to play, he could replace Kessie in the lineup.

DR Congo

Securing their first regular-time victory over Guinea was significant for Sebastien Desabre’s men, as it allowed them to avoid playing an additional 30 minutes in their 3-1 triumph.

Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa, and Arthur Masuaku’s goals against Syli National propelled the Leopards to the semi-finals for the first time since 2015 and only the second time since the turn of the millennium.

Although Congo have a history in the competition, having claimed the title in 1974, they have struggled in more recent semi-finals, having been defeated in 1998 and 2015. However, they managed to secure third place in both editions, mitigating the disappointment of not reaching the final up to a point.

As they prepare to face the tournament hosts, having already played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium against Guinea could work to their advantage. However, playing in front of a partisan and hostile crowd will present a different challenge for Desabre’s side.

The last meeting between these teams at AFCON was in the 2017 edition, where they played out a 2-2 draw in the group stage. This extended DRC’s winless streak against Ivory Coast at the Cup of Nations to two games, as they had previously defeated the West African nation in their initial meeting in 2002.

Team News

Desabre’s team faced the absence of former Chelsea player Gael Kakuta in the round of 16 and quarter-final matches, and the attacking midfielder remains doubtful for their upcoming fixture.

Congo are also dealing with the possibility of four players being suspended for a potential final. Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku, Dylan Batubinsika, and Theo Bongonda all received bookings in the previous knockout rounds.

Unless Kakuta recovers from his injury, the Leopards might opt for an unchanged lineup for the semi-final.

Conclusion

Despite the confidence inspired by reaching this stage of the competition, Congo are likely to find the challenge of going against the host nation too great.

Verdict: Ivory Coast win

Best odds: 28/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet