Jeopardized by a people after a historic group thrashing against Equatorial Guinea (4-0).
Described as extremely accurate without being in control of her fate.
Miraculous in eighth against the favorite and defending champion Senegalese.
And now in the semi-final, still suffering and at the end of a crazy scenario.
Côte d'Ivoire is still holding on, as best it can, to a title at home in this African Cup of Nations played at home thanks to its improbable victory over Mali, acquired at the end of the suspense and 120 stifling minutes Saturday in Bouaké.
The Elephants are two games away from succeeding in their bet to offer the CAN to their public, while everything in the scenario of this West African derby led them towards an inglorious elimination.
A hesitant and approximate first period, with a Malian penalty (17th) repelled by their goalkeeper Yahia Fofana and a defender, Odilon Kossounou, sent off just before the break (44th).
A second act still a little dull, illuminated by the splendid shot into the top corner of the Eagles striker, Nene Dorgeles (0-1, 71st).
Qualifying scorer sent off for taking off his jersey
And then, as against Senegal in the eighth, Ivory Coast held on, outnumbered, and with all the limits of its game. But with enormous heart, and a winning strategic choice from Emerse Faé.
The Ivorian coach, assistant to Jean-Louis Gasset at the start of the competition which saw the position he occupies today being offered to Hervé Renard, added his tactical moves to his improbable destiny: that of bringing in Simon Adingra and Oumar Diakité.
The first snatched, after an action full of rage, extra time (1-1, 90th).
The second scored, with a confused backheel, the winning goal in extra time (2-1, 120th + 2).
Before being sent off for a second yellow card for having taken off, in his race full of joy, his jersey to celebrate the unexpected qualification with his audience.
Ivory Coast succeeded in its success, and overheated an entire country still disgusted by its selection ten days ago.
It now begins a historic week, with the Democratic Republic of Congo on its way on Wednesday in the semi-final, the last obstacle before a final at home.
Elephants have come a long way.
But in football, it has never been an insurmountable flaw to go to the end.