Haller fires Ivory Coast past DR Congo, into AFCON final vs. Nigeria

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ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — Sébastien Haller fired host nation Ivory Coast into an Africa Cup of Nations final against old foe Nigeria with a 1-0 win over Congo on Wednesday.

Haller scored with a fine strike under the crossbar in the 65th minute to set off wild celebrations in the 60,000-capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

Haller was able to make his first start of the tournament after recovering fully from an ankle injury, to the delight of Ivorians who are already convinced God is helping the Elephants to their third Africa Cup title. Ivory Coast also booked its place in Sunday’s final without four players who were suspended for the semifinal following the dramatic quarterfinal win over Mali.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty earlier to send Nigeria to the final with a 4-2 shootout victory over South Africa after their semifinal ended 1-1 after extra time.

Congo had made a good start against the home team. Cédric Bakambu thought he’d put the Leopards ahead but his celebrations were cut short and the goal ruled out as goalkeeper Yahia Fofana was deemed to have had the ball.

Simon Adingra headed a good chance wide for Ivory Coast before Yoane Wissa had an effort saved by Fofana at the other end.

Fan favorite Haller headed the best chance of the first half wide in the 41st and went on to miss other good chances. All were forgiven when he scored the winner.

Congo's players and coach Sébastien Desabre protested by holding their right hands in front of their mouths and two fingers to their temples during the country’s anthem to spotlight the armed violence taking part in the east of the country. The players also wore black armbands for the game.