Ivory Coast vs DR Congo LIVE: Afcon semi-final result and reaction as Haller fires hosts into final

Ivory Coast 1-0 DR Congo: Tournament hosts will play Nigeria in Sunday’s final after a narrow semi-final victory

Ivory Coast fans line the streets to celebrate AFCON final spot

Ivory Coast booked their place in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations after Sebastian Haller’s second-half strike saw them win 1-0 against DR Congo

The hosts, who lost two of their group stages and sacked their managed mid-tournament, grew into the encounter and were unlucky not to be ahead at the break after Haller fired wide with a header and Frank Kessie struck the post.

However, the key breakthrough arrived after the break when Haller volleyed Max Gradel’s cross into the ground, the ball looping up and over a helpless Lionel Mpasi.

Ivory Coast, who last won the tournament in 2015, will take on Nigeria in Sunday’s final after the Super Eagles won on penalties against South Africa earlier in the day.

Relive all the action below:

Ivory Coast vs DR Congo LIVE

• FT: Haller’s volley guides hosts into Sunday’s final against Nigeria
• ‘65 GOAL! Haller puts hosts in front with volleyed finish (CIV 1-0 COD)
• ‘42 POST! Kessie strikes post with thunderous strike (CIV 0-0 COD)
• ‘40 CHANCE! Haller spurns golden opportunity (CIV 0-0 COD)

[7 February 2024 21:42 · Ben Fleming]

Ivory Coast 1-0 DR Congo

80 mins: Ivory Coast make a change of their own, now, as we enter the final ten minutes of this game. Bamba replaces Adringra who has had a good game alongside Gradel and Haller in attack.

[7 February 2024 21:40 · Ben Fleming]

Ivory Coast 1-0 DR Congo

78 mins: An immediate response from DR Congo as Ellia as volleys just wide from the edge of the box. That will be his last contribution of the game as he makes way for Silas.

[7 February 2024 21:36 · Ben Fleming]

Ivory Coast 1-0 DR Congo

75 mins: Both sides head to their respective benches for a cooling break. A much-needed change for DR Congo to regroup as they go in search of an equaliser to keep their Afcon hopes alive.

[7 February 2024 21:33 · Ben Fleming]

Ivory Coast 1-0 DR Congo

71 mins: CLOSE! A misplaced header from the DR Congo defence plays through Haller but his audacious chip - with Mpasi off his line - goes just wide.

So close to a vital second for the Ivorian striker.

[7 February 2024 21:31 · Ben Fleming]

Ivory Coast 1-0 DR Congo

69 mins: The hosts almost double their lead from a set-piece but Haller’s near-post header drifts over the bar.

In response, DR Congo make a triple change as Banza, Tshibola and Mayele come on for Bakambu, Pickel and Wissa.

[7 February 2024 21:26 · Ben Fleming]

GOAL! Ivory Coast 1-0 DR Congo (Haller, 65 mins)

The hosts hit the front!

Gradel hits the right byline and finds Haller at the back post but it’s an audacious, volleyed finish from the striker who fires his strike into the ground and sends it looping past Mpasi into the far corner.

[7 February 2024 21:24 · Ben Fleming]

Ivory Coast 0-0 DR Congo

62 mins: Ndicka peels off to the back post from the corner but he can’t find the target with his header.

[7 February 2024 21:22 · Ben Fleming]

Ivory Coast 0-0 DR Congo

61 mins: Ivory Coast make a double change as Ibrahim Sangare and Amani come on for Seri and Fofana.

[7 February 2024 21:20 · Ben Fleming]

Ivory Coast 0-0 DR Congo

59 mins: SAVE! Strong hands from Mpasi as he palms away Kessi’e fierce strike from the edge of the box.

[7 February 2024 21:20 · Ben Fleming]

Ivory Coast 0-0 DR Congo

58 mins: Ivory Coast come forward for what feels like the first time in the second half but Haller fouls Mbemba as he competes for the header and DR Congo will have a free-kick.