The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast will be taking on underdogs DR Congo in the semifinals at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara on Wednesday night. The Elephants managed to make an outstanding comeback fight in the quarter finals to knock out Mali in extra time with ten men to advance.
Mali had drawn all three of their group games before knocking out Egypt on penalties in the knock out stage. The Leopards then went on to beat Guinea in the last round convincingly 3-1. The goals in that game came from Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa and Arthur Masuaku.
The last time these two countries met in the Africa Cup of nations semi final in 2015, the Elephants won that game 3-1. Ivory Coast will be without Odilon Kossounou and Oumar Diakite as they are suspended with red cards. They were both sent off in the quarterfinal against Mali
Head-to-Head (Since 2000)
Ivory Coast: 6 Win
DR Congo: 4 Wins
Draws: 5 Draws
FORM (Last Five Games)
Ivory Coast: W W L L W
DR Congo: W W D D D
Players to Watch
Seko Fofana (Ivory Coast) – The 28 year old midfielder put in a great technical and selfless performance in their win against Mali when they were a man down. He has scored one goal and one assist for his country so far, making him their most reliable and influential player in the team.
RELATED ARTICLE: Mweene tells Zambians to stop giving him credit for Ronwen Williams’s Afcon penalty saves
Arthur Masuaku (DR Congo) – The 27 year old Brentford forward is set to start for DR Congo against the Leopards. He has two goals in the tournament so far and he will be a major threat to the Elephants going into this match.
BETTING TIP: Ivory Coast to win or draw and 0 to 2 goals scored in the match
ODDS: 1.78
