Sebastien Haller fired hosts Ivory Coast into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations and to within one match of the trophy after beating DR Congo 1-0 on Wednesday
The Elephants came up against an equally determined Democratic Republic of Congo side who were looking for a third crown.
DR Congo thought they had scored after nine minutes but Cedric Bakambu had kicked the ball out of the hands of goalkeeper Yahia Fofana before bundling it home.
The referee immediately disallowed the goal without the need for VAR.
Haller missed a great opportunity in the first half with a free header in front of goal, eight yards out, from Wilfried Singo’s tempting cross, which he sent horribly wide.
However, Haller would redeem himself in the 64th minute with a hooked attempt from Max Gradel’s cross into the ground and watching it bounce and loop over Mpasi into the net.
Haller almost doubled the lead with an easier chance but sent his lob over Mpasi and wide.
The Elephants held on to book a spot in the final which looked impossible earlier in the tournament.
They now face Nigeria in what could be a mouthwatering clash at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday evening.
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