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The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by many quarters has been regarded as arguably the most entertaining tournament ever. Recall, the tournament began in Abidjan, Ivory Coast just under a month ago.
That period has seen unnerving upsets, rousing displays from underdogs, the fall of continental giants and moments of remarkable individual brilliance.
News round the clock takes a preview of the semi-final encounter between Ivory Coast and DR Congo.
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AFCON Tournament hosts Ivory Coast have had one of the most exciting outings amongst partaking teams.
A good start in their opening game followed two consecutive defeats against Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
The Elephants had already relieved head coach Jean Louis Gasset of duty before they qualified for the knockout stages via a best loser spot.
Since then, they’ve knocked out defending champions Senegal via penalties and most recently the 120th minute winner against Mali.
DR Congo just won their first game of the tournament in the quarter-final against Guinea. Drawing all of their previous four games against Zambia, Morocco, Tanzania and Egypt.
Goals from Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku and topman Yoane Wissa helped complete a comeback against Guinea following Mohamed Bayo’s 20th minute opener.
The Leopards have truly had the tournament of underdogs and will look to get past Ivory Coast in another under the radar showing.
Team News
Ivory Coast will be without Bayer 04 Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou and Oumar Diakite who both picked up red cards in the victory over Mali.
Sebastien Haller has gradually been working his way back to full fitness and might earn his first start of the tournament.
Predicted Lineup- Fofana; Aurier, N’dicka, Boly, Konan; Seri, Kessie; Adingra, Fofana, Pepe; Kouame.
The Leopards of Dr Congo are on the up following the 3-1 routing of Guinea and will look to maintain that trajectory.
Veteran forward Cedric Bakambu and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa will expectedly lead the attack against Ivory Coast’s strong defensive contingent.
Predicted Lineup- Mpasi-Nzau; Kalulu, Mbemba, Baka, Masuaku; Pickel, Motoussamy; Elia, Bongonda, Wissa; Bakambu.
The winner of this tie will take on one of Nigeria or South Africa in the other semi-final encounter for a shot at tournament glory on Sunday February 11th.
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