After a challenging group stage, the hosts advanced to the knockout stages and are set to face Nigeria in the final. Notably, they are under the guidance of an interim coach, as the national coach announced his departure after the group stage.
The heat and humidity in the north of Abidjan left the players from both teams sweating, with less than nine minutes on the clock when Cédric Bakambu had a chance to score.
With the support of their fans, Côte d’Ivoire began to dominate the game at the end of a balanced first half. Wilfried Singo’s dangerous crosses from the right created chances, including one for Haller, who headed wide. Meanwhile, in the stands, Didier Drogba’s expression of horror was evident. Shortly afterwards, in another promising move, Max Gradel tried to set up Franck Kessié, who hit the post with a left-footed shot.
Théo Bongonda’s replacement almost made the hosts pay, bursting into the area with a run and a shot into the side netting. Haller, 29, finished off Gradel’s cross, looping over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Haller almost scored twice more before the final whistle, with a near-post header and an audacious shot.
With the elimination of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria are now in contention for their third CAN title against Côte d’Ivoire. Interim coach Emerse Faé, appointed during the competition, is preparing for Sunday’s final with the chance of a remarkable triumph.
