AFCON preview, Cote d’Ivoire v DR Congo

Elephants to continue their roller-coaster Afcon ride?

2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast will look to continue their roller-coaster ride of a tournament when they face DR Congo in a semifinal clash at Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on the evening of Wednesday 7 February 2024. Kick-off is at 10pm CAT.

Current form

Ivory Coast continued to ride their luck in the tournament: after narrowly squeezing through the group stage and then overcoming Senegal on penalties, the Elephants defied being both a goal down and having two men sent off to defeat Mali 2-1 after extra time in an incredible quarterfinal this past Saturday evening. Simon Adingra and Oumar Diakite scored the key goals for Ivory Coast as they recorded a victory which has the host nation believing that they are destined for glory.

DR Congo, after recording four successive draws in the tournament (three in Group F against Zambia, Morocco and Tanzania, and then, in the round of 16, a 1-1 stalemate after extra time with Egypt before edging through on penalties), finally clicked into their higher gears this past Friday evening when they came from a goal down to trump Guinea 3-1, thanks to goals from Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa and Arthur Masuaku.

Team news

Ivory Coast will be without Odilon Kossounou and Oumar Diakite due to suspension, as both were sent off in the quarterfinal against Mali. Wilfied Singo or Willy Boly are the likely replacements for the former in the starting XI, while the latter’s absence gives the Elephants fewer attacking options off the bench.

DR Congo has no reported injury or suspension worries and are likely to select the same XI that did duty against Guinea in the previous round.

What was said

“We need to revise how we start our games, we have to master the game from the beginning and not to be obliged to have a lot of pressure,” said Ivory Coast caretaker coach Emerse Fae, who added: “We were not far from being eliminated [against Mali], the players especially, didn’t give up, they fought into the end.”

“Now it’s possible to go to the final,” said DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre. “I think we had the victory we deserved. We met a great Guinean team who gave us tactical problems. It wasn’t easy, but the most important thing is to continue on the road.”

Players to watch

Ivory Coast: Seko Fofana remains the key player for Ivory Coast and he put in a performance of both great technical quality and selfless endeavour to help his team shrug off the disadvantage of playing most of the 120 minutes against Mali a man down. Also keep an eye out for Sebastien Haller, who is gaining in form and fitness, and the aggressive Simon Adingra.

DR Congo: Aside from his outstanding goal against Guinea in the quarterfinals, Arthur Masuaku is a highly influential figure from his position as left-back, providing a fine range of passing and crosses. Yoane Wissa is also a selfless and technically astute attacker, while Chancel Mbemba’s experience, versatility and goal threat from set pieces marks him out as a foundational member of the team.

Head-to-head

In head-to-head stats, Ivory Coast and DR Congo have met in 15 matches dating back as far as 1960. The Elephants have claimed six wins compared to four for the Leopards, while five games have been drawn. The teams’ most recent meeting was an African Nations Championship group stage match in January 2023 in Annaba which ended in a 0-0 draw.