AFCON 2023: Ivory Coast vs DR Congo: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Published at :February 5, 2024 at 3:49 PM

Modified at :February 5, 2024 at 3:49 PM

The Africa Cup of Nations hosts are a step away from an unexpected final

The Elephants dismissed their manager following a 4-0 loss in the final group game but still advanced to the knockouts. Under interim coach Emerse Fae, they secured a nerve-wracking penalty shootout victory against Senegal. The quarter-final against Mali saw a dramatic equalizer from Simon Adringra in the 90th minute, followed by Oumar Diakite’s decisive stoppage-time winner in extra time.

Now, they are set to face DR Congo, a team aiming for their third AFCON title on home turf. The Leopards, having drawn all three group games, eliminated Egypt on penalties and secured their first 90-minute victory against Guinea in the last round of the AFCON.

Kick-Off:

Thursday; 8 February 2024, 08:00 PM GMT (01:30 AM IST)

Location: Alassane Ouattara Stadium

Form

Ivory Coast (all competitions): W-L-L-D-W

DR Congo (all Competitions): D-L-D-W-W

Players to watch

Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast)

Frank Kessie, the Ivory Coast midfielder, has been a source of inspiration throughout the campaign, leading the team with distinction. His significant role in their resurgence is evident as he takes charge on the field, controlling the play and spearheading the team’s forward movement. In the upcoming match against DR Congo, Kessie will play a crucial role in dismantling their well-organized defenses, creating opportunities for the attacking players to advance.

Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)

Wissa distinguishes himself through impressive physical attributes, displaying a harmonious blend of speed, strength, energy, and endurance. His well-rounded capabilities enable him to thrive in different positions on the field, enhanced by his tactical flexibility and intelligence. Noteworthy for his agility, Wissa exhibits rapid stops, starts, and changes in direction, showcasing resilience against challenges and a skillful ability to retain possession. He scored the second goal in their win against Guinea.

Match Facts

Ivory Coast have won six of their last 10 games, losing two and drawing two.
DR Congo, on the other hand, have secured just three wins in their last 10 games across competitions.
Ivory Coast have a better record than their opponents in this match.

Injury and Team News

The hosts will have to do without Oumar Diakite and Odilon Kossounou, both suspended after receiving red cards in the match against Mali. Diakite’s second booking, for removing his shirt in celebration of the winning goal, led to his suspension. Willy Boly is expected to fill in for Kossounou in the defensive lineup. Additionally, there is optimism that Sebastien Haller, who has recovered from an ankle injury, might be fit enough to start.

DR Congo’s manager Sebastien Desabre will have a clean slate in terms of injuries and suspensions ahead of this game.

Head-to-Head

Matches – 15

Ivory Coast – 6

DR Congo – 4

Draws – 5

Predicted lineup for Ivory Coast vs DR Congo

Ivory Coast predicted lineup

Fofana; Aurier, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan; S. Fofana, Sangare, Kessie; Kouame, Haller, Boga

DR Congo predicted lineup

Mpasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Batubinsika, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy; Silas, Kakuta, Kalala; Wissa

Match prediction for Ivory Coast vs DR Congo

Eliminating the hosts from this tournament has proven nearly impossible, despite numerous instances where it seemed highly probable. The twists of fate and favorable circumstances consistently seem to align in their favor, contributing to their resilience and continuous presence in the competition.

Prediction: Ivory Coast 2-1 DR Congo

Telecast for Ivory Coast vs DR Congo

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports

US – beIN Sports

Nigeria – NTA

AFCON 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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