DR Congo missed out on a place in the final of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations as they lost 1-0 to hosts Ivory Coast at the Olympique Stadium of Ebimpé in Abidjan on Wednesday night.
A second-half goal by striker Sebastian Haller sent the Elephants into the final set for Saturday as the Leopards missed out.
Sebastien Desabre’s side went into Wednesday nights encounter with confidence having come from a resounding 3-1 quarter-final victory over Guinea.
After an average performance in a barren first-half, Desabre called for changes with midfielder Gaël Kakuta withdrawn for Theo Bongonda at the restart.
However, the hosts were still bossing possession and finally got their breakthrough through Sebastian Haller as the Borussia Dortmund striker connected to a cross by Alain Max Gradel in the 65th minute.
Haller’s goal proved sufficent for the Elephants to reach their fifth AFCON final on homesoil.
The Leopards will now have to settle for third place which they will battle for with South Africa who lost out on penalties to Nigeria in the other semi-final played in Bouaké.
