AFCON 2015 Results: Yaya Toure Silences Critics in Ivory Coast's Semifinal Win

Yaya Toure showed up at the right time.

Putting what had been a mostly underwhelming Africa Cup of Nations tournament behind him, the Manchester City superstar scored a spectacular opening goal to help propel Ivory Coast to a 3-1 win over DR Congo in Wednesday's semifinal.

Entering the match, Toure's international form was largely in question. Although the Elephants had yet to lose a contest (1-0-2 in group play and a 3-1 victory over Algeria in the quarters), the 31-year-old's performance left much to be desired.

Looking rather listless and out of sorts at times, he struggled for much of the tournament to make the kind of impression in the midfield that has become commonplace for him in England. But 20 minutes in against DR Congo, that quickly changed.

With the ball bouncing toward him just outside the top of the box, he instantly erased the criticism with a thundering strike that went rocketing past goalkeeper Robert Muteba like a heat-seeking missile intent on destroying the roof of the net:

BBC's John Bennett put it simply after the wonderful bit of magic:

The Congolese responded with a goal just four minutes later, and Toure was booked with an unnecessary yellow at the half-hour mark, so it wasn't quite a perfect performance from the veteran. But the wonder-goal seemed to inject some energy into Toure, who showcased his aggressive box-to-box nature for much of the match.

According to WhoScored.com, he tallied team-highs in touches (66) and shots (four), also adding two key passes and two tackles. Simply put, his impact was felt all over the pitch. 

On Sunday, Ivory Coast will go for its second AFCON title—and its first in over two decades. On the opposite side will be either Ghana or Equatorial Guinea.

The former has been one of the most dangerous African sides for several years, while the hosts played Ivory Coast to a draw during group play. No matter who it is, though, if Toure makes the kind of imprint he did Wednesday, the Elephants will be hoisting the trophy in Bata.