AFCON 2023: Nigeria through to final after dramatic penalty win over South Africa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are through to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, after an intense encounter with South Africa.

Jose Peseiro’s men were forced to endure a die-minute equalizer by Bafana Bafana, after Victor Osimhen’s goal was ruled out.

The encounter started with high spirits from both teams fighting for an early lead, but the first half ended in deadlock.

Despite South Africa leading possession early in the second half, and even testing Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, it was Nigeria who took the lead in the 67th minute through a penalty that was converted by William Troost-Ekong.

While Troost-Ekong took the praise for scoring, it was Napoli star Osimehn that made it possible, after he was rough-tackled in South Africa’s box

Just five minutes before full time, Osimhen received a perfect cross from Ola Aina, leaving him with a simple task of tap in, which he well executed to take Nigeria’s mark to two.

However, a VAR check ruled out the goal due to its build up, including a rough on a South Africa player inside Nwabali’s box.

Within minutes, Nigeria went from 2-0, to 1-1, as a penalty was awarded and Teboho Mokoena calmly fired home from the spot for Hugo Broos in the 90th minute.

The game was then forced into extra time, but both teams were unable to find the decider.

After 30 minutes of play, a five aside penalty was called, where Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2