Having come from two goals down to beat neighbours Congo in the quarter-finals, Congo DR will be feeling optimistic ahead of the semi-final clash with Ivory Coast.

The Elephants were pretty fortunate to eliminate Algeria and they have got to show a serious improvement if they want to remain in the hunt for the elusive title.

Congo DR were the first African side to qualify for the World Cup and have two AFCON titles to their name, but this is the first time they have reached the semi-finals since 1974.

The Leopards were placed in a pretty evenly matched group at the 2015 tournament and they were pretty lucky to go through after failing to win any of three group fixtures.

Congo DR were believed to be on the verge of going home as they were two goals down in the quarter-final clash with Congo, but they produced a stunning comeback to record a 4-2 victory.

As a result, they go into the Ivory Coast match full of confidence and can be backed at 3.80 (14/5) to qualify for the final.

Coach Florent Ibenge has made it clear that he is not prepared to risk star midfielder Youssef Mulumbu given that he is currently at 70 per cent, while key defender Gabriel Zakuani is out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-4-2): Kidiaba – Mpeko, Mongongu, Kimwaki, Kasusula – Cedric, Makiadi, Mbemba, Bolasie – Mbokani, Bokila.

Once again, Ivory Coast have failed to impress at the tournament finals, and they can only thank their lucky stars for still being in the competition.

Having taken just two points from first two matches, the Elephants found themselves in a difficult position ahead of the Cameroon game, but they secured a narrow win and made it to the quarter-finals.

Ivory Coast were then completely outclassed by Algeria, but they again scored against the run of play and eventually recorded a 3-1 win.

And even though they are now favourites to make it to the final, Herve Renard will now his side need to show a lot of improvement, so I am not sure there is a lot of value in odds of 1.73 (8/11) offered on away win.

The former Zambia coach is unlikely to make any changes to his starting line-up, as he is expected to stick with a three-man defence.

Roma star Gervinho marked his return from a two-match ban with a goal and he will again prove a handful for opposition defenders.

Probable starting line-up (3-4-2-1): Gbouhouo – Bailly, K. Toure, Kanon – Aurier, Y. Toure, Die, Tiene – Gervinho, Gradel – Bony.