8:30 p.m. – Still undefeated
The Democratic Republic of Congo is still undefeated in this edition of the CAN. Indeed, the Congolese reached the group stage with three draws before eliminating Egypt on penalties (1-1, 8 tab 7) and defeating Guinea (3-1). Among the semi-finalists, it shares this invincibility with Nigeria.
20:25 – The revenge of 2015
This is not the first time that a CAN semi-final has pitted Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nine years ago, the two nations had already fought for a ticket to the final and this duel had turned in favor of the Elephants. Yaya Touré opened the scoring in the 20th minute and Mbokani responded four minutes later. Just before the break, Gervinho gave the Ivorians the lead again before Kanon made the break for good in the 68th minute. Behind, they had gone to seek the title.
20:21 – The other semi-final in overtime
If you are only arriving now, be aware that the first semi-final is not yet over. Nigeria and South Africa were unable to decide between themselves in regulation time and are playing overtime. Follow the meeting here with us: Nigeria-South Africa.
20:20 – Act XX
Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo meet face to face for the 20th time in their common history since 1963. For now, the statistical advantage is with the Elephants with 9 successes against 6 with the Leopards, for 6 null. At the CAN, the results are two victories for the Ivorians, one for the Congolese and two draws.
20:18 – The composition of the two teams
A little less than an hour before the start of the second semi-final of the CAN between Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the compositions of the two teams have been revealed. On the Ivorian side, Haller will lead the attack alone at the forefront. He will be supported by Gradel on the left and Adingra on the right. In the middle, Faé renews his trio Fofana-Kessié-Séri. Behind, Ndicka is accompanied by Boly in the center while Singo replaces Aurier (suspended) on the right. Konan remains undefeatable on the left.
In the opposite camp, Desabre only made one change compared to the eleven which started in the quarter-finals with the establishment of Kakuta as playmaker, preferred to Bongonda. He will be responsible for liaising with the midfield and supplying balls to Bakambu up front, as well as the wingers Elia and Wissa. Pickel and Moutoussamy will be associated with the recovery. Behind, nothing moves with captain Mbemba and Inonga to keep the axis. They will be flanked by Kalulu on the right and Masuaku on the left.
20:15 – Finally a victory
In the quarter-finals, the Democratic Republic of Congo got rid of Guinea (3-1). If Bayo opened the scoring, the Congolese were then able to count on Mbemba to come back to the level before Wissa materialized his excellent performance from a penalty then Masuaku ensured qualification with a clever direct free kick.
20:10 – Another miracle
After eliminating Senegal in the round of 16 on penalties, Ivory Coast sent Mali home (2-1 after). Reduced to 10 from the 44th minute and trailing from the 71st, they equalized in the 90th minute thanks to Adingra before snatching qualification at the end of added time in extra time Diakité deflecting a shot from Seko Fofana.
20:05 – Important absentees for the Elephants
The Ivorian coach will have to do without four elements, all suspended: his captain Serge Aurier, his defensive pillar Odilon Kossounou, the providential quarterback scorer Oumar Diakité and his attacker Christian Kouamé. A big loss but one that doesn’t worry Faé. “We created a united group and even when I bring players on in the 85th minute, they are in the right state of mind”he praised at a press conference.
8:00 p.m. – Welcome
Good evening everyone and welcome to follow the second semi-final of the African Cup of Nations. On a tightrope since the start of “its” competition, Ivory Coast faces the Democratic Republic of Congo.