Ivory Coast vs DR Congo Prediction: Crucial stage for the two nations

Ivory Coast is set to face Congo DR at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé on Wednesday in the second semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. This marks the Elephants' first game in Ebimpe since their 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea in the group stage. The match provides them with an opportunity to redeem themselves in front of their supporters in Abidjan. On the other hand, Congo DR is determined to reach the competition's final, a feat they haven't achieved since 1974.

The host nation has been the embodiment of the drama-filled Cup of Nations, persevering despite challenges such as injuries and a disheartening group stage performance. The Elephants faced the risk of elimination after a significant loss in their final group-stage match against Equatorial Guinea. However, under the leadership of Emerse Fae, who took over from Jean-Louis Gasset before their knockout fate was determined, faith has been restored in the team.

Since this change, the home side has eliminated defending champions Senegal and staged a remarkable comeback with 10 men, scoring in the final minutes of regulation and extra time to secure a phenomenal victory over Mali, igniting celebrations in Bouake. Although there's uncertainty about Ivory Coast's stamina, given the additional 30 minutes played against Senegal and in the quarter-final, the hosts aim to draw inspiration from the crowd to reach their first final since claiming victory on the continent in 2015.

Despite a tendency to fall behind early in recent matches, conceding first against Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, and Mali, the team, known for their resilience in overcoming slow starts, faces the Democratic Republic of Congo with confidence and determination.

Sebastien Desabre's team secured a timely first regulation-time victory over Guinea, avoiding an additional 30 minutes in their 3-1 success. The goals from Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa, and Arthur Masuaku against Syli National marked the Leopards' advancement to the competition's semi-finals for the first time since 2015 and only the second time since the turn of the millennium. Despite reaching the semis twice before in 1998 and 2015, DR Congo has been defeated on both occasions, although they managed to secure third place in those editions, somewhat alleviating the disappointment of not reaching the final.

The Leopards aspire to break their semi-final jinx against the hosts, benefitting from their previous match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium against Guinea. However, the upcoming semi-final against Ivory Coast is expected to present different challenges, particularly with a partisan and hostile crowd. These two teams haven't met at AFCON since the 2017 edition, where their group stage encounter ended in a 2-2 draw, extending DR Congo's winless streak against Ivory Coast in the Cup of Nations to two games. DR Congo had previously defeated Ivory Coast in their initial meeting in 2002.

In their recent five matches against DR Congo, Cote d'Ivoire secured three victories, recorded one draw, and suffered one loss. During these encounters, Cote d'Ivoire scored five goals and conceded seven in the AFCON.

Cote d'Ivoire has claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title twice, in 1992 and 2015. Similarly, DR Congo has won the competition on two occasions, in 1968 and 1974. Looking at the past ten clashes between the two teams, DR Congo has won three times, drawn three times, and lost four times against Cote d'Ivoire.

In their respective last five matches, Cote d'Ivoire has won three times and lost twice, while DR Congo has secured two victories and recorded three draws.

Ivory Coast has set its sights on securing a third Africa Cup of Nations title, building on their previous triumphs in 1992 and 2015. Additionally, they aspire to make history by becoming the first host nation to clinch the continental showpiece since Egypt in 2006. The Elephants' journey through the group stage was nothing short of miraculous, and their knockout encounters against Senegal and Mali were filled with dramatic moments. Notably, Ivory Coast had previously defeated the Congolese side on their way to winning the AFCON title at this same stage in 2015. Now, playing on home soil and being considered the favorites, they are poised to replicate that success once again.