The second semi-final match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will occur on Wednesday at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium between Ivory Coast and Congo DR.
The Elephants will be playing their first game at Ebimpe since their 4-0 group stage loss to Equatorial Guinea, and they will have the opportunity to win over Abidjan’s fans against a DR Congo team that is eager to reach the tournament final for the first time since 1974.
| Top 3 markets | Best odds at bookmakers |
| Ivory Coast to Win or Draw: ⚽ | 2.3 at 1xbet |
| Under 2.5 Goals: 🥅 | 1.61 at 1xbet |
| Match to end in shootout: ✅ | 1.3 at 1xbet |
Ivory Coast and DR Congo: Previous Games
Ivory Coast has a little victory margin when comparing the two teams’ head-to-head records. Given that both teams have recently demonstrated they can beat each other, the subsequent encounter will surely be unexpected. Ivory Coast won the most recent AFCON. Match by a wide margin in 2019, and the two teams drew in 2023.
With the home crowd cheering them on, the Ivory Coast will look to replicate its friendly triumph from 2020.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo will be looking to avenge its loss in the World Cup qualification and defend its 2019 AFCON title.
Probable Ivory Coast Lineup
Fofana; Singo, Ndicka, Boly, Konan; Seri, Kessie; Pepe, Fofana, Adingra;
Probable DR Congo Lineup
M’Pasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Inonga, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy; Elia, Bongonda, Wissa; Bakambu
Betting tips: Ivory Coast x DR Congo
Check out our predictions of the day for Ivory Coast vs. DR Congo
Prediction 1: Ivory Coast x DR Congo / Ivory Coast win or draw
The fervent Ivorian fans were dissatisfied with their team’s two group-stage defeats. Since then, they’ve been behind the squad, cheering them on as they won their playoff matches.
Both their previous match against Mali and their match against Senegal ended in a draw in regular time. They couldn’t finish the contest without resorting to penalties or additional time. They have drawn two of their past three matches against DR Congo.
In their quarterfinal match against Guinea, Sébastien Desabre’s squad displayed remarkable tenacity by rallying from behind to earn a 3-1 victory. After playing to a draw in their previous four regular games, the Leopards will face a far more formidable challenge from the hosts.
Prediction 2: Ivory Coast x DR Congo / Under 2.5 goals
Just one match involving both countries has seen more than two goals in regulation time since the start of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Both teams have seen a 1-1 draw five times in 10 encounters; therefore, it seems to be the most typical result.
Considering the stakes, both coaches could think twice about going all-in on Wednesday night. Emerse Faé and Desabre will do whatever they can to keep their wards in the running for qualifying. So, even if goals were scored, the match may end in a low-scoring affair.
Prediction 3: Ivory Coast x DR Congo / Match to end in shootout
A penalty shootout lottery sent the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ivory Coast to the quarterfinals.
Last time out, the hosts were fortunate to score in the 90th minute against Mali, tying the match and sending it to overtime, where they eventually scored in the 120th minute.
Given the high stakes and the recent history of draws between the two countries, it would not be shocking if this semi-final went to penalty kicks.