Ivory Coast - DR Congo predictions and free betting tips [07/02/2024]

Today, as part of the second semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations, we'll see the national teams of Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo go head to head.

Ivory Coast national tteam

At this current Africa Cup of Nations, the Ivory Coast team is living up to their reputation as an unpredictable African outfit with some key figures in the midfield. Key among these is Franck Kessie, whose central field play is pivotal for the team, along with veteran Jean-Michel Seri and the promising Ibrahim Sangare. Yet, it's fair to admit that the team has enjoyed considerable luck throughout the tournament. In the quarter-final against Mali, the Elephants were the underdogs for most of the match, playing with ten men after Kosunnu's dismissal, and Mali even missed a penalty in the first half. In the second half, Nene scored for Ivory Coast and the Elephants had no chance to equalize until the 90th minute, when Brighton youngster Adingra levelled the score after a series of ricochets. Victory was brought about in extra-time with a throw-in by substitute Diakite in the 123rd minute, again following a series of ricochets after Fofana's strike - arguably the best player for the Ivorians at present.

A sensational penalty shootout victory over the reigning champions Senegal emphasized the Elephants' composure under pressure. Kessie confidently converted a penalty to level the score in regulation time, followed by Pepe, Kuame, Aller and Aurier, each making their mark in the penalty shootout. Ivory Coast’s tournament had started promisingly with a win over Guinea-Bissau, yet their defeat against Nigeria demonstrated the need for an improvement in their attack. That defeat, along with a severe loss against Equatorial Guinea, exposed defensive frailties that the team managed to overcome, revealing their character and drive to win on home soil.

Democratic Republic of Congo national team

The Democratic Republic of Congo's national team has confidently made it to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, displaying competent play and claiming victory over Guinea with a score of 3-1. Despite an early goal conceded from a penalty at the 20-minute mark, the Congolese dominated their rivals, scoring goals courtesy of captain Mbemba from a set piece, Vissy from a penalty, and Masuku in the final moments of the match. Their efficiency in converting chances shines through as they remain undefeated in the tournament.

In the quarter-finals, the DRC overcame Egypt in an intense penalty shootout. The match was awash with incidents: the Congolese broke the deadlock thanks to Meschak on the 37th-minute, but the Egyptians managed to level the score executing a penalty due to a foul by a DRC defender. Despite several dangerous opportunities, the Congolese couldn't pull ahead. However, the penalty shootout highlighted their grit: despite Masuaku's miss, goalkeeper Mpasi emerged as the hero, parrying Mustafa Mohammed's shot and scoring the decisive penalty after the Egyptian goalkeeper's blunder.

Head-to-Head

Recent encounters between DRC and Ivory Coast have been eventful. In the African Nations Championship on 18th January 2023, the match ended in a 0:0 draw. In a friendly match on 13th October 2019, Ivory Coast won 3:1. In the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations on 20th January 2017, both teams drew 2:2. In the EFCON qualifiers on 4th February 2015, DRC lost to the Ivory Coast 1:3, but in another qualifier match on 15th October 2014, they claimed a 4:3 victory.

Match prediction: Ivory Coast - DR Congo

Somewhat miraculously, the Ivorians have reached the semi-finals of their home tournament, though their performance suggests they should have been knocked out in the group stage following a 0:4 defeat against Equatorial Guinea. We must acknowledge the spirit of the Ivory Coast team who, despite the levels of individual talent at their disposal and chaotic play, show grit to equalise when playing poorly. While their attacking line, featuring Kuame, Pepe, Aller, and others, has had a disappointing tournament, Fofana has truly emerged as a leader. The Congolese, having confidently made it to the semi-finals and outplayed Egypt, remain unbeaten in the tournament, including against Morocco. I believe that the host's luck may run out and DRC are capable of an upset. However, I'm banking on a minimum of 2 goals in this match.