The Ivorians are firm favourites to beat Zambia in Libreville this afternoon.
Alan Pardew: “I guessed Senegal or Ivory Coast would get to the final.
“I’m surprised Senegal and Ivory Coast isn’t the final. Cheick texted me last night, he’s happy he’s got to the final.
“It's been a good season for us, despite the Spurs result, and long may that excitement continue.
“But we have to stay in there for it to continue.
“We had Tottenham, which was tough, then Wolves – which looks more agreeable because we’ve got Yohan and Cheick back for one.
“We went to Spurs with our first-choice pair not available.
“When they come back we’ll have 13 games to go.”