NIGERIA BEAT SOUTH AFRICA 4-2 ON PENALTIES
NIGERIA BEAT SOUTH AFRICA 4-2 ON PENALTIES AFTER A 1-1 DRAW IN 120 MINUTES! THEY MEET IVORY COAST OR DR GONCOG IN THE FINAL OF AFCON 2024!
KrKelechi Iheanacho scored the last goal that earned Nigeria a spot in the finals.
Two crucial saves by Bobo Nwabali propelled Nigeria to a 4-2 victory on penalties over South Africa, securing their spot in the Afcon final. They are set to face either Ivory Coast or DR Congo in the championship match.
Nigeria controlled the territory in the initial stages but faced difficulty breaking through South Africa’s well-structured defense. Conversely, South Africa focused on exploiting gaps behind Nigeria’s defense, making them appear more threatening due to their clear tactical approach.
The first half, though, was goalless, and Nigeria picked it up thereafter, eventually forging in front when captain William Troost-Ekong scored from the penalty spot.
Then, on 85 minutes, they looked to have sealed the game, Victor Osimhen finishing a terrific counter. But VAR brought play back to the start of the move, finding that Alhassan Yusuf had fouled Percy Tau, and at the clocked ticked over the 90-minute mark, Teboho Mokoena scored from the spot.
Both sides pushed for a winner in extra time but neither managed, and though Ola Aina missed Nigeria’s third penalty, Mokoena, Evidence Makgopa and Mothobi meal missed South Africa’s first, third and fourth to send the Super Eagles into the final.
