Could the Ivorians continue their amazing transformation from sacking their coach to scraping through as the worst third-place finisher to becoming the most unlikely AFCON champions?
They moved one step closer to that unique achievement with a single goal defeat of DR Congo at a steamy Alassane Ouatarra Stadium in Abidjan.
Judging by the outpouring of celebrations across the capital many believe the Elephants will now become champions of Africa.
Although DR Congo started promisingly and took the game to the Ivorians it was the home side that eventually produced the more likely threats in a tight first period.
While coach Desabre's men had a number of corners they were mostly dealt with by Yahia Fofana and his defenders.
Then gradually at the other end the Elephants began to move closer especially through the excellent Franck Kessie who produced a couple of dangerous efforts on goal.
The ex-AC Milan midfielder was often the guiding force behind the Ivorian attacks.
But ultimately it was the tall Sebastien Haller, in his first start in the competition among four changes made by coach Fae, who would be the match winner.
The Borussia Dortmund striker had missed a golden chance in the first fourty-five before he made space at the back post to improvise a shot that bounced over M'Pasi and under the crossbar.
It set off thunderous celebrations.
Indeed Haller should have scored another after he intercepted a poor pass by a DRC defender only to guide his chip wide of the goal.
It didn't matter - he was the hero.
Undoubtedly Ivory Coast did deserve the victory and they held off any revival by their opponents despite their various changes of personnel later in the contest.
After their chastening loss to Equatorial Guinea, in this very stadium, most wrote off the Ivorians chances but with a reprieve due to the competition format, they have somehow turned it around under their ex-player Emerse Fae.
Although Ahmed Musa's Super Eagles will go into the final as marginal favourites having beaten IC in the group matches destiny could shine on the hosts.
As in order to win tournaments it is not how you start but how you finish and the Elephants, with their passionate home support, might just perform a minor miracle and win their third AFCON.
Report from Abidjan - John Bethell.
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