The Elephants boss says it could be dangerous for his side to rest on their laurels as they prepare for their last-four encounter in Bata

Cote d'Ivoire coach Herve Renard is wary of his side holding the favourites tag ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash with Democratic Republic of Congo.

Renard's side flattered to deceive at the start of the tournament, registering underwhelming 1-1 stalemates with both Guinea and Mali, but subsequent victories over Cameroon and Algeria now have them as favourites.

The Wilfried Bony-inspired 3-1 quarter-final triumph over Algeria was particularly impressive considering that Christian Gourcuff’s men were the highest-ranked team in the competition and now Cote d'Ivoire are within touching distance of another final.

However, the Elephants have been here before, with their passages to the final in 2006 and 2012 ultimately ending in defeat despite boasting talented squads and Renard is hoping that his players ignore such expectations against DR Congo in Bata on Wednesday.

"We came here a fortnight ago with no expectations on us," the Frenchman told reporters. "No one was taking about us but this has changed over the last two weeks. Things change fast in football.

"After our last two wins over Cameroon and Algeria, now we are the favourites of the bookmakers but that can be dangerous.

"It is also not important. What is important is what happens on the field. We've a good balance between hard workers and talented players, this combination is perfect.

"The only thing is to win [the cup]. We won't be satisfied with anything else."

Renard will also be hoping that the 4-3 defeat to DR Congo in the qualifiers - their first competitive home loss since 2005 - will serve as extra motivation to his inexperienced squad.

But, Florent Ibenge's side come into the clash full of confidence after dispatching rivals and neighbours Congo in the quarter-finals, coming from 2-0 down to emerge 4-2 victors following a goalless first half.

This is DR Congo's first semi-final appearance since 1998 and they have failed to lift the trophy since winning the competition as Zaire in 1974, and Ibenge acknowledged that the chance for revenge could give Renard's side the edge.

"We hurt their pride when we beat them at home, the big Cote d'Ivoire" he said. "They had not lost at home during the generation of Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure.

"But we are also armed with the motivation to reach the final. That is our target."

Ibenge will also be without two key players for the contest, as captain Youssouf Mulumbu (hamstring) will not be risked due to only being "70 per cent fit" and Gabriel Zakuani (ankle) is out.

Renard, on the other hand, has only Cheick Tiote's fitness to consider, with the Newcastle United midfielder welcomed back to training on Tuesday following an ankle injury and he will at least take a place on the bench.


http://www.goal.com/en-za/match/congo-dr-vs-c%C3%B4te-divoire/1994094?ICID=FX

TeamElephants#

Don't expect the repeat of 4-3 in the qualifiers as DR Congo will like to play defensively and tactically.


Verdict; DR Congo will not make it easy for the Elephants but the Elephants should Edge this one, and lets see whether they can win something in their fading Golden age generation.

will ghana win afcon I hope not

Ivory Coast will win and there will be goals in this one. The Dr Congo will give a good fight.

i never get football mindset jawe
IF NOT THAT I MUST JUST TO COMMENT NOONI

HH the Aku UKA of WUKARI, son of the Sun GOD and Creator CHIDON himself.....asks for peace and religious harmony to reign during these terse election periods.

Pray for the King.

Pray for Nigeria.


The GODS Bless Nigeria.

Oh AFCON is on!!!

Too much Politics to care

Civ go win jare!

Let's get started

1-3

I haven't watched any match in this current afcon, but I'll try to watch this one

ELEPHANTS TO WIN AGAIN...#BONY#GERVINHO#TOURE#

LINK TO STREAM THE MATCH PLS

Let go dia

#teamElephants of CIV all the ways, leggo

BBC said its 7pm. What is the real time pls?

Aystarz:
Ivory Coast will win and there will be goals in this one. The Dr Congo will give a good fight.

i pray so, gud for my bet

this CIV coach sha

GAME ON!

lool fights so early?

Prediction 3-1 in favor of CIV

Dem still dey play afcon, i no know b4 since 9ja no dey dere

Congo freekick

choiii see save!!!!

Oooooh

I strongly Believe that 'there' is no course you Cannot get a First Class in.

Requirements:

1: God
2: Books
3: Determination
4: http://

---- Thank me later for my advise!

DRC nor dey joke today o choi!