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The Elephants are set to face DR Congo in AFCON 2023 semi-final amidst key player suspensions.
Cote d'Ivoire and DR Congo are set to face off in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The stage is set at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé, Abidjan, for a match that has all the makings of a classic encounter.
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11:00 - 07.02.2024
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Following a series of dramatic twists and turns in their respective paths to this stage, both teams are brimming with confidence, poised to battle for a spot in the final.
Cote d'Ivoire, also known as the Elephants, staged an incredible comeback in the tournament, securing their semi-final berth with hard-fought victories over Senegal and Mali.
The two wins, achieved under the cloud of an earlier performance that nearly saw them exit the competition, have dramatically transformed the team's fortunes and rallied their fans behind them.
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Conversely, DR Congo's journey to the semi-finals was marked by resilience and a knack for survival.
The Leopards advanced from the group stage with three draws and went on to eliminate Egypt, a seven-time African champion, in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Their quarter-final victory over Guinea underscored their growing momentum, with Coach Sébastien Desabre hailing the win as timely.
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However, the Ivorians face a significant challenge, with four key players—Serge Aurier, Odilon Kossounou, Oumar Diakité, and Christian Kouame—sidelined due to suspensions.
The absences of Kossounou and Diakité are particularly impactful, stripping the team of crucial defensive and attacking options. Coach Emerse Fae is banking on the team's depth and the solidarity his players have shown to navigate these losses.
DR Congo, with no significant injury or suspension concerns, is expected to field the same lineup that secured victory against Guinea.
The historical context of this match adds layers of intrigue. The last time these teams met in the Africa Cup of Nations was in 2017, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw. Overall, their encounters have been evenly matched, with Cote d'Ivoire slightly ahead in their head-to-head record.
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21:00 - 30.01.2024
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As the match approaches, fans are eager to see whether the Elephants' strength and resilience will prevail over the Leopards' cunning and agility.
With both teams having demonstrated their capability to overcome adversity, this semi-final promises to be more than just a game; it's a testament to the spirit of African football.
Kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 8:00 PM East Africa time, marking a night where history will be written in the battle between an elephant and a leopard.
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