The Super Eagles of Nigeria has defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa to book a place in the AFCON 2024 finals.
What a mind-blowing moment to see two African giants go head-to-head in the AFCON semi-final competition.
Eagles won the South Africans on penalties after a battle royale in the AFCON.
However, Super Eagles of Nigeria have advanced to the final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast after beating Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties on Wednesday.
In regulation time, the Super Eagles secured a penalty after African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was brought down in the box by Mothobi Mvala (South Africa) at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Ivory Coast.
Nigeria led 1-0 in the 67th minute when Captain William Troost-Ekong converted a low-driven penalty into the middle of the net fooling Ronwen Williams in goal. Although he was near.
Nigeria thought they had sealed the game with a 2-0 lead when Osimhen scored, as he latched on to a pass inside the penalty box and fired a perfect low strike, which went inside the left post.
However, a VAR review verdict said that there was no goal for Nigeria due to a foul in the build-up play.
This would be the second time Victor Osimhen’s goal would be ruled out in the AFCON competition. He is yet to score a goal.
However, the decision was overturned, and a penalty was given to South Africa.
Bafana Bafana reacted with a 1-1 goal from the spot when Teboho Mokoena of South Africa played the penalty past Stanley Nwabali into the bottom left corner.
Eye On Another AFCON Trophy
South Africa had the clearest chance to seal the game after Evidence Makgopa had his shot flashed high over the bar after beating the defender, following a rebound from a freekick saved by Nwabali.
The Great Win
The game, which entered extra time, saw big chances from both teams.
However, Moffi was brought down at the edge of the box, with South Africa receiving a red card from that tackle.
Nigeria sealed the game 4-2 in penalties after Nwabali saved two penalties.
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Also, Nigeria’s performance in the AFCON has brought the Super Eagles to the final, as they strive to secure another AFCON trophy.
Nigeria will Know their opponent after the second semifinal game between Ivory Coast and Congo Dr.
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