The Super Eagles of Nigeria are through to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire after defeating the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Super Eagles vs South Africa clash was decided by penalties at Bouaké after 120 minutes of intense football.
The Super Eagles looked through to the final in the 67th minute of play but the South Africans equalised through a penalty kick after a careless challenge from Alhassan Yusuf.
Thus, the match played at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake, ended 1:1 at full time but the Super Eagles qualify for the 2023 AFCON beating South Africa’s Bafana Bafana 4-2 on penalty kicks.
The match started on a fast pace, with the South Africans dominating play but were pegged back by the resilient Nigerian defence, Marshalled by Captain William Troost-Ekong.
The cagey first half ended goalless, in spite the forays by both teams. But in the second half, Nigeria took the lead after Victor Osimhen was fouled inside the 18 yard box. Ekong stepped up to put the Eagles one goal up.
However, late in the game, substitute Alhassan Yusuf gave away a penalty, which Teboho Mokoena tucked away.
The match was eventually decided on penalties, with Nigeria winning 4-2 after a nervy shoot-out.
Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty as Nigeria booked their place in the final, sparking wild celebration in the stadium.
Nigeria will now on Sunday in the2023 AFCON final face The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, who won against DR Congo.