ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Hosts Ivory Coast narrowly avoided a humiliating Africa Cup of Nations group stage exit before two resilient performances in the knockout rounds to book a semi-final berth but know they must play much better if they are to reach the final.
The Ivorians face Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday with their reputation restored after edging Mali in Saturday’s quarter-final in Bouake despite being down to 10 men for the majority of the game and going a goal behind.
