Sébastien Haller fired host nation Ivory Coast into an Africa Cup of Nations final against old foe Nigeria with a 1-0 win over Congo.
Haller scored when his volley from Max Gradel's cross bounced before going in under the crossbar in the 65th minute on Wednesday, setting off wild celebrations in the 60,000-capacity Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
Haller was making his first start of the tournament after recovering fully from an ankle injury, further good news for Ivorians who were already convinced God is helping the Elephants to their third Africa Cup title.
Progress seemed unlikely after a 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea left the team on the verge of a group-stage exit. But Ivory Coast has bounced back since firing its coach by overcoming one setback after another.
"It's like a dream," said interim coach Emerse Faé, who had to do without four players who were suspended for the semifinal following the dramatic quarterfinal win over Mali.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty earlier to send Nigeria to the final with a 4-2 shootout victory over South Africa after their semifinal ended 1-1 after extra time.
"It has been with me since growing up, I need to win something with the Super Eagles," Nigeria star Victor Osimhen said.
Congo had made a good start against the home team. Cédric Bakambu thought he'd put the Leopards ahead but his celebrations were cut short and the goal ruled out as goalkeeper Yahia Fofana was deemed to have had the ball.
"It could have been another match," Congo coach Sébastien Desabre said of the disallowed goal.
"But we can't re-write history. It is how it is."
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