Africa Cup of Nations: Ivory Coast can play better - Herve Renard

Herve Renard (left) was appointed Ivory Coast head coach in July 2014

Ivory Coast head coach Herve Renard feels his side need to improve from their semi-final display against DR Congo if they are to end a 23-year wait for an Africa Cup of Nations title.

The Elephants won 3-1 on Wednesday to put themselves one win away from a first Nations title since 1992.

They will face either Equatorial Guinea or Ghana in Sunday's final.

"To be fair with you, I didn't like this game," Renard, 46, said."I think we didn't do all the things we should."

The Frenchman added: "I think sometimes we were too easy.

"We are in the final, this is the most important thing."

Gervinho was the standout performer and looks likely to have a big influence on the final

It certainly took a while for Ivory Coast to get going against DR Congo, who started strongly.

Yaya Toure's fierce drive gave Renard's side the lead against the run of play, but Eric Dailly's handball soon after allowed Dieumerci Mbokani to level from the spot.

As the game wore on, Ivory Coast improved and they sealed victory with strikes from Gervinho and Wilfried Kanon.

"This is one step in our life," Ivory Coast and Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony said.

"We need to enjoy this night and be ready for the game on Sunday. It was tough game, DR Congo were very fast but we were compact.

"All we care now is about bringing the cup back home."