To get to the African Cup of Nations finals, the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties.
At the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Ivory Coast, African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was hauled down in the box by Mothobi Mvala (South Africa), and the Super Eagles were awarded a penalty.
In the 67th minute, Captain William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria a 1-0 lead after driving a penalty kick low into the net, deceiving goalie Ronwen Williams.
When Osimhen scored, Nigeria believed they had won the match because he perfectly timed his low shot to go inside the left post after latching onto a pass inside the penalty box. However, a VAR review decision determined that a foul in the build-up play prevented Nigeria from scoring. South Africa was penalized and the ruling was reversed.
Teboho Mokoena of South Africa scored a penalty kick that went past Stanley Nwabili and into the bottom left corner to give Bafana Bafana a 1-1 lead.
Evidence Makgopa evaded the defender and shot after a rebound from a freekick that Nwabali saved, but his effort flashed high over the bar, giving South Africa the best opportunity to win the game.
Both teams had excellent opportunities during the game, which went into extra time.
Moffi was knocked down at the box’s edge. The tackle was followed by a red card being given to South Africa.
Nwabali stopped two penalties as Nigeria won the match 4-2 in overtime.
The Super Eagles are in the final as they look to win another AFCON trophy thanks to Nigeria’s performance at the tournament.
