The two-time champions, Ivory Coast, have made history as the first host country to reach the final of the Cup of Nations since Egypt in 2006. Their journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable, especially considering they were on the verge of elimination during the group stage.
In stark contrast, the defeat was heartbreaking for DR Congo, who harbored dreams of making their first appearance in an AFCON final since their victory as Zaire in 1974.
The Ivory Coast's performance in the tournament has been labeled as "miraculous" by their interim coach, Emerse Fae. He took over from Jean-Louis Gasset after a series of embarrassing results in the group stage.
Facing humiliation and elimination after a devastating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea on January 22, the Elephants played their first match at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium on the dusty outskirts of Abidjan.
Despite barely making it to the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, Ivory Coast then defeated reigning champions Senegal on penalties. They continued their impressive run by defeating Mali in the quarter-finals, even with only 10 men on the field for most of the match, and securing the winning goal in added time of extra time.
Key players like Oumar Diakite and captain Serge Aurier were suspended for the semi-final match against DR Congo. However, the team welcomed the return of Brighton winger Simon Adingra and the talismanic forward Haller, who was finally fully fit.
DR Congo sought to avenge their 3-1 defeat by Ivory Coast in the 2015 AFCON semi-finals.
Throughout the tournament, the Congo team used their platform to raise awareness of the ongoing violence affecting millions in the eastern part of the country. Their symbolic protest during the national anthem highlighted their solidarity with those affected.
Despite the challenging atmosphere of playing against a hostile home crowd, DR Congo started strongly, but their early goal was disallowed due to a foul.
The first half saw Ivory Coast growing into the game, with Haller missing a clear chance and Kessie hitting the post. The breakthrough finally came when Haller managed to loop the ball over the goalkeeper's head after a cross from Max-Alain Gradel.
The crowd erupted into celebrations as Ivory Coast took the lead. They continued to press for more goals, with Haller coming close on multiple occasions.
In the end, one goal was enough to secure Ivory Coast's place in the final, prompting jubilant scenes at the final whistle.