Ivory Coast vs DR Congo Preview and Prediction
Ivory Coast vs DR Congo Match Preview
Heavily lucky Ivory Coast will host DR Congo in the second semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday, February 8.
The Elephants enter this game on the back of a mixed run of form. They have won six of their last 10 games, losing two and drawing two. However, both those defeats were at this AFCON, including a 4-0 humbling by Equatorial Guinea. Having qualified as the fourth-best third placed team, Ivory Coast defeated defending champions Senegal and then Mali to advance to the semis. With luck on their side, the Elephants will look to push on and march forward.
Congo, on the other hand, have secured just three wins in their last 10 games across competitions. The other games were five draws and two defeats. However, two of the wins came at this edition of the AFCON, with their other three games so far being draws. They qualified for the knockouts as runners-up of their group and have knocked out Egypt and Guinea as they look to continue their giant-hunting. Having secured a comfortable 3-1 win in their last game, they will look to continue in the same way for the next game.
On that note, let’s take a look at the team news from both sides.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Ivory Coast
Manager Emerse Fae will have somewhat of a selection headache ahead of their semi-final clash. Despite having no injuries to worry about, the Elephants will be without centre-back Odilon Kossounou and winger Oumar Diakite, who were both sent off in their quarter-final win over Mali.
Having played with the same XI for most of the tournament so far, Fae will look to do the same for the next game. However, Wily Boly is likely to slot into central defence in place of the suspended Kossounou. Sebastian Haller could also come into the fray in place of Christian Kouame.
Predicted XI: Yahia Fofana (GK), Serge Aurier (C), Wily Boly, Evan Ndicka, Ghislain Konan, Jean Michael Seri, Franck Kessie, Nicolas Pepe, Seko Fofana, Max Gradel, Sebastian Haller.
ALSO READ: January Transfer Window 2024 Review: Best signings, surprises and moves that may not work out.
DR Congo
Manager Sebastien Desabre will have a clean slate in terms of injuries and suspensions ahead of this game. He has largely stuck with the same XI for most of the competition so far and is likely to do the same for the semis as well, barring last-minute issues.
Predicted XI: Lionel M’Pasi (GK), Gedeon Kalulu, Chancel Mbemba (C), Henoc Inonga, Arthur Masuaku, Charles Pickel, Samuel Moutoussamy, Meschack Elia, Theo Bongonga, Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu.
Ivory Coast vs DR Congo Head-to-Head & Prediction
Last 5 Games Head-to-Head
- DR Congo 0-0 Ivory Coast (01/23)
- Ivory Coast 3-1 DR Congo (10/19)
- Ivory Coast 2-2 DR Congo (01/17)
- DR Congo 1-3 Ivory Coast (02/15)
- Ivory Coast 3-4 DR Congo (10/14)
As you can see, the two sides have faced each other rather infrequently, with an average time of two years between meetings. However, Ivory Coast lead the head-to-head two wins to DR Congo’s one win, with the teams sharing two draws.
The last five meetings between these two have seen a remarkable 19 goals scored, with the Ivorians scoring 11 and Congo scoring eight. All but one of their last five games have seen both sides score, as well as the total goals exceed three.
This points towards another exciting encounter between these two, on one of the biggest stages of international football. Ivory Coast will edge this contest given their strength in depth and the fact that they are hosts.
Prediction: Ivory Coast 3-2 DR Congo.
Betting Tips
- Over 3.5 Goals: Yes.
- Both Teams to Score: Yes.
- Match Result: Ivory Coast.
Odds
- Ivory Coast Win: 2.10
- Draw: 3.10
- DR Congo Win: 3.85
Ivory Coast vs DR Congo Timings & Telecast
- Date & Time: Wednesday, February 7th at 8 PM (GMT).
- India: FanCode app & website.
- UK: Sky Sports.
- US: BeIN Sports.