The second semifinal match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will take place on Wednesday at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium between Ivory Coast and Congo DR.

The Elephants are playing in their first Ebimpe match since they were humiliated 4-0 by Equatorial Guinea in the group stage.

They will face a DRC team that is eager to play in the competition final for the first time since 1974 and have the opportunity to please the fans in Abidjan.

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The host nation has been the embodiment of the dramatic Cup of Nations more than any other squad; they have persevered through injuries and a depressing group stage.

Although it is doubtful if Ivory Coast has anything left in the tank after playing an additional 30 minutes against the Lions of Teranga and in their quarterfinal victory on Saturday, the hosts are hoping to get motivation from the crowd to advance to their first final since dominating the continent in 2015.

Despite Fae’s desire to avoid trailing for the fourth straight game—the Elephants have conceded first against Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Senegal, and Mali—this team has little to fear from the DRC due to their ability to rally from poor beginnings.

Although they placed third in both tournaments to ease the sorrow of missing the championship match, DRC has hardly participated in this match since winning the title in 1974. They have also lost in both of the semi-finals in 1998 and 2015.

The Leopards are hoping for their third straight victory over the competition’s hosts, and they will be well-prepared for Wednesday’s semi-final thanks to their previous experience playing at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium against Guinea.

Here is how both teams line up

DR Congo Starting XI

Nzau, Baka, Moutoussamy, Lina, Mambenga, Bakambu, Monginda, Wissa, Mbemba, Kyatengwa, Kawela

Ivory Coast Starting XI

Fofana, Konan, Seri, Singo, Fofana, Kessie, Boly, Gradel, Ndicka, Haller, Adingra