APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties to qualify for the finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The match, which was played at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Ivory Coast, saw the Super Eagles take the lead in the 67th minute through Captain, William Troost-Ekong, who converted the penalty awarded to the team when Victor Osimhen was brought down by the South African defender inside the 18-yard box.
There was a major twist in the game when the Super Eagles scored a second goal through Victor Osimhen late in the second half of the match, but the goal was ruled out by the VAR and instead a penalty was awarded to the South African team because of a foul that was committed in the Nigerian defence area during the build up to second goal.
The South Africans converted the penalty in the 90th minute of the match for the equalizer.
The match was taken into the 30-minute extra time after the 1-1 draw at full time.
When the extra time produced no winner, the match was settled through penalties.
The Super Eagles scored 4 out of their 5 kicks, while South Africa scored only 2 goals to bring the final score line to 4-2.
With this victory, the Super Eagles will on Sunday take on the winner of the second semi-finals match between host, Cote d’Ivoire and Congo DR taking place also on Wednesday.
GIK/APA
Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties to qualify for 2023 AFCON finals
