The dream continues for Ivory Coast elephants. Very close to elimination after their three group matches, Emers Fay’s men qualified for the final after a consistent match against a formidable team from the Democratic Republic of Congo (1-0).
Tops
Sebastian Heller, Perpetual Threat
The Ivory Coast striker, the lone frontman in the team’s 4-2-3-1, looked particularly dangerous in the second half of the first period, especially with a header in the 40th minute of the game, but accuracy was lacking. In the finish. In the second half, the Borussia Dortmund striker, who will have to wait to return to his club – who face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League round of 16 on February 20 – then opened the scoring with a rather fortunate volley. It bounced in front of Ruthian goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi’s cage before slipping past the Congolese goalkeeper and into the back of the net. The sole purpose of this meeting.
Frank Casey at the heart of the game
The former AC Milan midfielder was the second most famous Ivorian in the match. Essential in midfield, Frank Casey, who played almost all of Ivory Coast’s matches at the African Cup of Nations, also came close to allowing his team to lead early. First in the 42nd minute, with a beautiful left-footed shot that hit Mpasi’s post, then in the 59th minute, where his shot was on target this time but well deflected by the Congolese goalkeeper.
A history of elephants in the CAN
Who will be betting on Ivory Coast after being humiliated by Equatorial Guinea during the third match of the group stage (0-4)? Drafted as the best third, Cote d’Ivoire, which can count on the support of its people, has come a long way. They then won on penalties against Senegal and then against Mali in overtime thanks to a goal scored in the 120th + 2. The story is beautiful.
Also readCAN: Ivory Coast offer final at home against Nigeria
flops
Gael Kakuta, transparent and substituted at half-time
The Democratic Republic of Congo playmaker missed his match. One would wonder if he was on the ground. The Amiens player, formerly of RC Lens, was awarded for his first half exit after… 45 minutes of play. was replaced by Theo Bongonda.
Seko Fofana narrowly misses
He has been one of Ivory Coast’s best players since the start of the competition but this Wednesday, the former RC Lens player was not up to the (among other) level of the event. He missed most of his deep passes, struggled to get forward and slowed the game down significantly, which probably explains his exit in the 61st minute. Replaced by Ibrahim Sangare.
Cedric Bakambu in the continuation of his tournament
The Real Betis striker, who has started five of the six DRC matches, has not scored a single goal in the competition. Worse, he only had one small assist in the tournament and missed a penalty. Against Ivory Coast, he touched just 17 small balls for five losses. A race to forget for the 32-year-old striker.
(TagsToTranslate)African Cup of Nations
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