AFCON Drama: Nigeria Beats South Africa, Faces Ivory Coast in Final

In a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations semi-final held on Wednesday, February 7, Nigeria overcame South Africa in a penalty shootout, winning 4-2 after the match ended 1-1 in extra time. The game, held in Bouake, showcased standout performances from substitute forward Kelechi Iheanacho and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, propelling Nigeria into the final where they will face Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast secured their spot in the final with a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in Abidjan.

Nigeria’s journey to the final was marked by resilience and teamwork, as noted by coach Jose Peseiro, who praised the squad’s unity and determination. Despite the setback of a disallowed goal and a South African equalizer, the team persevered to achieve a well-deserved victory, sparking celebrations among Nigerian fans.

South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos reflected on the unpredictability of football, contrasting his team’s performance in the match against Nigeria with their previous game against Cape Verde.

Iheanacho, who had not played in the tournament’s earlier rounds, made a crucial impact by scoring the decisive penalty. Nwabali, in goal for Nigeria, denied South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa during the shootout, highlighting his importance to the team since replacing Francis Uzoho as the starting goalkeeper.

The match featured moments of tension, including a missed opportunity by South Africa’s Khuliso Mudau and a penalty awarded to Nigeria, which captain William Troost-Ekong converted. A dramatic moment occurred when Victor Osimhen’s goal was disallowed, leading to a penalty for South Africa that Mokoena successfully converted.

The semi-final clash was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with Nigeria advancing to their eighth final in search of their fourth championship title, while Ivory Coast aims to add to their victories in 1992 and 2015. The final promises to be an exciting culmination of the tournament, as both teams vie for the prestigious African football crown.