2015 AFRICA CUP - SEMI-FINALS - DAY 15 - Congo DR vs Ivory Coast 1:3

Africa Cup 2015 Quarter-Finals Semi-Finals

Congo DR vs Ivory Coast 1:3

Congo DR
Goals: 1x
by Mbokani Bezua (24′penalty)

Ivory Coast
Goals: 3x
by Yaya Touré (20′) 
by Gervinho (41′) 
by Kanon (68′)

 First semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations

 Yaya Toure's stunning strike opens scoring

 Mbokani levels from the spot for DR Congo

 Gervinho sidefoots in Ivory Coast's second before Kanon pokes in.

Ivory Coast reached their third Africa Cup of Nations final in nine years after proving too strong for DR Congo.

Yaya Toure put them ahead with a ferocious 20-yard shot but soon after Dieumerci Mbokani levelled with a penalty after Eric Bailly handled.

Gervinho had a header cleared off the line before he made it 2:1 when he curled in to finish off a breakaway.

The Ivorians made sure of victory when Wilfried Kanon kneed home after Serge Aurier's header had been saved.

Gervinho, outstanding throughout, had a good chance to add further gloss to the scoreline late on, but his effort was saved by the busy Robert Kidiaba.

In their quarter-final with Congo, the Leopards had clawed their way back from 2:0 down to win 4:2. 

But on Wednesday, they were soundly beaten by an Ivory Coast side who utilised the pace of Gervinho to superb effect and looked determined to make up for recent failures in the competition.

Beaten finalists in 2006 and in 2012, Ivory Coast's so-called 'golden generation' have been unable to add to their country's sole Cup of Nations trophy in 1992.

But despite the retirement of talisman and striker Didier Drogba, this side has started to give credence to coach Herve Renard's claim it contains the "perfect" blend of experience and youth.