Playing at home, Côte d'Ivoire saw a goal from Sébastin Haller, in the 65th minute, qualify them for the final of the African Cup of Nations. Known as the 'Elephants', the Ivorians had a somewhat irregular campaign, but will try to lift the cup for the third time, after winning in 1992 and 2015.
It is worth remembering that, in the first phase of the competition, the host team achieved a historic turnaround, after being beaten 4-0 by Equatorial Guinea. The team even changed coaches during the competition, with Emerse Faé replacing Jean-Louis Gasset.
Off the field, this semi-final was also marked by a gesture from the Congolese, who denounced the violence in the east of their country and the silence of the international community regarding the events. The players showed their displeasure by wearing black tape on their arms, placing one hand over their mouth and the other on their temple, imitating a gun.
In the other semi-final match, Nigeria secured qualification after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Against South Africa, the team that dictated Angola's exclusion from the competition achieved victory after penalties were awarded, setting the score at 4-2.
The goals scored in regulation time were scored by William Troost-Ekong, a Nigerian, and the South African Teboho Mokoena, both of which, interestingly, were scored from a penalty.
If they win, Nigeria will lift the trophy for the fourth time, after becoming champions in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
The final is scheduled for this Sunday, February 11th, at the Ebimpé Olympic Stadium. The day before (Saturday), the clash between South Africa and DR Congo takes place to define third place.
The CAN, which will be played from January 13th to February 11th, was initially scheduled for 2023, having been transferred by the African Football Confederation (CAF) to this year due to rain in Côte d'Ivoire.
Angola finished among the eight best African teams, reaching the quarter-finals of the competition, where they were beaten by now finalists Nigeria by a goal to zero.
