Nigeria Secures AFCON Final Spot After Thrilling Semi-Final Shootout Victory Over South Africa

In a dramatic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match, Nigeria secured a spot in the final after defeating South Africa 4-2 in a penalty shootout. The match, played in Bouake, ended 1-1 after extra time and was marked by intense moments, including disallowed goals and a red card.

Key Highlights:

• Captain William Troost-Ekong scored for Nigeria in the 67th minute, converting a penalty kick.
• Teboho Mokoena equalized for South Africa with a 90th-minute penalty, sending the match into extra time.
• Nigeria thought they had scored a second goal through Victor Osimhen, but VAR called back play for a foul on Percy Tau in the South African penalty area.
• The match ended 1-1 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout.
• Nigeria emerged victorious in the penalty shootout with a 4-2 scoreline.
• Grant Kekana of South Africa was sent off in the 115th minute for a last-defender foul.

Additional Details:

• The semi-final encounter showcased high tension, with both teams aiming for a spot in the AFCON final.
• Nigeria’s Osimhen, who recovered from an abdominal discomfort, featured in the starting lineup.
• The match witnessed a disallowed goal for Nigeria, leading to a controversial VAR decision.
• South Africa’s Khuliso Mudau had a chance to win the match in added time but missed after a save from the Nigerian goalkeeper.
• The encounter ended with a red card for South Africa’s Kekana, who was sent off in extra time.

Nigeria’s victory sets the stage for an exciting AFCON final as they await the winner between Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Super Eagles will aim to secure their fourth AFCON title in the upcoming final on Sunday.