French coach Herve Renard moved closer to a second Africa Cup of Nations triumph as Ivory Coast defeated Democratic Republic of Congo 3-1 in a semi-final in Bata Wednesday.

Yaya Toure gave Ivory Coast a mid-first half lead, Dieumerci Mbokani equalised from a penalty, Gervinho restored the lead before half-time and Serge Wilfried Kanon added a third goal.

Renard guided outsiders Zambia to glory in 2012 with a penalty shootout final victory over Ivory Coast.

In the final on Sunday, Ivory Coast will face hosts Equatorial Guinea or favoured Ghana, who clash Thursday in Malabo.