Sébastien Haller allowed Cote d’Ivoire to defeat DR Congo in the CAN semi-final (1-0).
Cote d’Ivoire will compete in the final of its African Cup. The Elephants fulfilled their mission in the half against DR Congo. More incisive, they won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Sébastien Haller.
Haller, hero of the Ivory Coast
In what was his first start in this competition, the Dortmund striker donned the hero’s costume. Unhappy in the first period with a header, he made amends by scoring a victorious volley in the 65the. On a cross from Max-Alain Gradel, he took over in a less academic but effective manner. Too advanced, the Congolese goalkeeper was lobbed and let the ball end up in the back of the net.
After this goal, Haller let himself get a little drunk. At 71e, he had the 2-0 ball at his feet but his lob did not catch the frame. An unconverted opportunity, but one that he and his teammates had no reason to regret.
Cote d’Ivoire had to be patient before scoring, but their success was deserved. For once, the hosts mastered the debates, both technically and mentally. Under the eyes of their legend Didier Drogba, they did the job brilliantly.
The Ivorians therefore won the right to play in the final. Now, only Nigeria separates them from a third continental star. Having come a long way after their first failed round, they can’t imagine missing out on this meeting.
