Hosts Ivory Coast qualified to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after fighting from a goal down to beat Mali 2-1 in extra time.
It was the third quarter-final clash at the tournament and DR Congo were waiting for the winner of Saturday’s encounter.
It was the Malians who started stronger, forcing a penalty off the hosts in the early minutes of the game.
But goalkeeper Youssouf Fofana rose to the occasion by saving the penalty, sparking ecstasy in the stands.
The Eagles, however, rose to the occasion again with Nene Dorgeles striking in the second half to open the scores.
The hosts, in a seeming repeat of the quarter-final outcome with Senegal, restored parity through Brighton’s Simon Adingra to push the match into extra time.
Oumar Diakité struck on the nick of full time to give the Elephants the much-needed ticket to the semi-finals.
They will play DR Congo for a place in the final on Wednesday, February 7.
The last quarter-final clash will be between Cape Verde and South Africa with the winner playing Nigeria for a place in the final.
