Nigeria will play hosts Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday in the Africa Cup of Nations final after the Elephants defeated DR Congo 1-0 thanks to Sebastien Haller’s goal.
Haller was the matchwinner in Wednesday’s semi-final, superbly flicking in Nicolas Pepe’s cross to break Congolese hearts.
For Haller, facing Nigeria with the coveted continental trophy at stake represents a remarkable twist of fate and story of redemption. The Borussia Dortmund hitman has established himself in the Elephants after recovering from testicular cancer, CAFonline reported.
Now the 29-year-old returns intent on breaking Nigerian hearts. Haller will spearhead the Cote d’Ivoire attack alongside Pepe as they target a historic triumph.
Victory would spark jubilation in Abidjan given this AFCON is on home soil. After struggling in their group, the Elephants have momentum despite unconvincing performances.
Against DR Congo they rode their luck, with Cedric Bakambu having a goal disallowed. But Haller’s quality shone through as he rifled home to book Cote d’Ivoire’s passage.
Nigeria are aiming to win their fourth AFCON trophy, while the Ivorians are gunning for a second AFCON title, their first since 2015.
South Africa will play DR Congo in the third place match on Saturday.
