As reported by Standard, the upcoming semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will showcase host nation Ivory Coast as they seek to continue their impressive journey against DR Congo.
Ivory Coast vs DR Congo: Team News, Date, Kick-off Time, and Venue
Despite parting ways with their manager after a 4-0 defeat in the final group game, the Elephants secured a place in the knockout stage. Under interim coach Emerse Fae’s guidance, they clinched a tense penalty shootout victory over Senegal. The quarter-final against Mali was filled with extraordinary moments, featuring a 90th-minute equalizer from Simon Adringra and a stoppage-time extra-time winner from Oumar Diakite.
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Their next challenge is DR Congo, a team quietly advancing to secure their third AFCON title on home soil. The Leopards drew all three group games before eliminating Egypt on penalties. In the last round, they secured a 90-minute victory against Guinea.
The Ivory Coast vs DR Congo clash is set for a 9pm GMT kick-off on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
In terms of team news, Ivory Coast will be without Oumar Diakite and Odilon Kossounou due to red cards in the previous match. Willy Boly is expected to step in for Kossounou in defense, while Sebastien Haller might be fit to start. DR Congo’s lineup includes Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, with no new injury concerns reported.