Nigeria advances to the AFCON Finals following a win against South Africa.
Nigeria and South Africa faced off in a tense match at the Stade Bouaké, with South Africa dominating possession and continuously attacking Nigeria’s defense in the first half. Despite their possession, South Africa struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Percy Tau wasting a wonderful opportunity by shooting straight at Stanley Nwabili. Another promising opportunity came when Evidence Makgopa fired a powerful shot from the edge of the box, only to be thwarted by a superb save by Nwabili.
Nigeria, on the other hand, started the second half with fresh vigor and determination. Victor Osimhen led their attack with a header on goal, but he couldn’t hold it down. Osimhen later got a penalty for Nigeria, which Troost-Ekong confidently converted to put the Super Eagles ahead.
South Africa replied with determination, and Percy Tau remained a menace in attack. Ademola Lookman also had a late chance for Nigeria, but the South African goalkeeper anticipated his movement and made an important save.
In a remarkable turn of events, Victor Osimhen thought he had increased Nigeria’s lead, but his goal was overturned due to a buildup foul. South Africa seized the opportunity to equalize when they were handed penalties, which Mokoena converted to tie the game at 1-1.
As the game entered extra time, both teams pressed for a winner, resulting in end-to-end action and opportunities to secure victory. However, neither team could score the winning goal, and the game ended in a dramatic 1-1 stalemate, forcing a penalty shootout to determine who would proceed to the final.
Mokoena missed South Africa’s first penalty kick, and Nigeria’s Ola Aina did as well. However, Stanley Nwabili made a key stop against Evidence Makgopa’s penalty, correctly recognizing the direction. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the game-winning penalty, advancing Nigeria to the AFCON final.
