Ivory Coast will play Zambia in the final the African Cup of Nations after edging out Mali 1-0 on Wednesday with an individual goal from Gervinho on the stroke of halftime.
The Arsenal forward capitalized on a defensive error at Stade de l’Amitie to race half the length of the pitch and shoot past goalkeeper Soumaila Diakite.
Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure both hit the post as Ivory Coast dominated for most of the game, reaching the final without conceding a single goal at the tournament. The Ivorians are now within reach of a first African title in 20 years.
The Zambians advanced to Sunday’s decider in Libreville after surprising Ghana 1-0 in the first semifinal.