Kolo Toure is now one match away from Africa Cup of Nations glory after the Liverpool defender helped Ivory Coast reach the final of the tournament on Wednesday night.

The defender played the entire 90 minutes as his country defeated Congo DR 3-1 in the opening semi-final of the continental competition to reach Sunday's showpiece.

Yaya Toure broke the deadlock in Bata midway through the first half, only for Dieumerci Mbokani to retaliate immediately and level the score from the penalty spot.

However, Gervinho restored the Ivorians' advantage four minutes before the interval and Wilfried Kanon ensured progress for Herve Renard's charges with a third.

Toure and co can now prepare for the decider, in which they will take on either Ghana or hosts Equatorial Guinea, who face off in the other semi-final tomorrow evening.

The Reds' No.4 is participating in international football for the last time, having declared before the tournament that he will say farewell to duty upon completion of the cup.