PHOTO: Nigeria’s defender #5 William Troost-Ekong (2R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 semi-final football match between Nigeria and South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on February 7, 2024. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)
Nigeria's Super Eagles this Wednesday night, February 7, 2024, qualified for the final of the on-going 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d'Ivoire.
After a barren first half at the Stade Bouake, the three-time champions broke the deadlock in the 67th minute of play via a perfect penalty kick by Skipper William Troost-Ekong after danger man Victor Osimhen was brought down in the South African box.
Osimhen, the African Footballer of the Year, seemed to have made victory more sure with his second goal of the tournament in the 85th minute but it was ruled out after VAR check for a pre-goal infringement.
Just when it seemed that the favourites had carried the day, Bafana Bafana forced the match into extra 30 minutes by equalizing on the dot of 90 minutes via a penalty kick converted by Teboho Mokoena.
The extra time produced no goals, forcing the match into shootouts, which Nigeria won after Nwabali caught two of the South African kicks.
Nigeria will battle either Congo Democratic Republic or hosts Cote d'Ivoire in Sunday's final.
The second semi-final is scheduled to kick off at 8 O'clock GMT (9:00 p.m. Nigerian time).
Source: News Express
