WED, FEB 07 2024-theGBJournal|Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties after a thrilling 1-1 draw at full time to advance to the final of the TotalEnergies African Cup of Nations 2023.
Remarkably, the two teams are in the same group in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and they displayed grit, playing counter attacking football, and with panache.
The defenders on both side stood firm, protecting the records of their goalkeepers-with the longest period of clean sheets.
South Africa held the ball possession the most in the first half, playing some of the finest world class passes as Nigerian maintained its positive presence in their 18 yards box.
South Africa’s Evidence Makgopa had his effort parried away by the out stretched hands of Nigerian goal stopper Stanley Nwabali shortly after Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen headed wide off the South African goal post.
And on the hour mark, Onyeka blazed the ball high into the sky after play-maker Moses Simon bamboozled four South African players to lay the pass to Onyeka.
Nigeria made two changes in the second half with Alex Iwobi and Sanuel Chukwueze making way. Victor Osimhen was also substituted for Kelechi Iheanacho.
And Nigeria began to show its brutal side. A swift, short interplay between the Nigerian forwards saw the ball roll free to the continents most prolific striker, Osimhen. A dink and a short push forward, he was brutally fouled in the box to earn Nigeria a penalty.
Nigeria’s super captain, Williams Troost Ekong stepped up, stroke the ball low and hard past the South African goalkeeper. Williams, to give Nigeria the lead.
Nigeria began asserting their dominance from there on.
But a controversial drama ensued in the 86th minute.
Nigeria wrestled the ball from its 18 yards box, and a swift counter attack brought Nigeria another goal, scored by Osimhen.
But it was ruled no goal after a VAR check. Instead a penalty was awarded to South Africa after Osimhen thought he had scored his second goal of the tournament.
Mokoena scored the penalty to restore parity. Nigeria 1 vs South Africa 1.
The pressure shifted on Nigeria from there on, with South Africa applying the pressure.
In the 6th minute of extra time South Africa almost got the lead. Nwabali’s parried shot fell sweetly for Khuliso Mudau, but he failed to convert.
After 120 minutes of open play, penalties kicks ensued.
Nigeria won the shootout 4-2 to advance to the finals.
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