In a riveting Africa Cup of Nations semi-final encounter, Nigeria emerged victorious with a 4-2 penalty shootout win over South Africa in Bouake.
The match, which ended 1-1 after regular time and saw additional time without a decisive goal, reached its climax in the penalty shootout. Kelechi Iheanacho’s crucial goal secured Nigeria’s spot in the final.
Captain William Troost-Ekong had opened the scoring for Nigeria from the penalty spot in the 67th minute, but South Africa responded with determination. Teboho Mokoena leveled the score with a well-taken penalty in the 90th minute.
The game’s turning point occurred when a Nigerian goal by Victor Osimhen was disallowed after VAR intervened, awarding a penalty to South Africa, leading to Mokoena’s equalizer.
In added time, South Africa’s Khuliso Mudau had an opportunity to secure victory but missed, and a red card for Grant Kekana left them with 10 men in extra time.
Nigeria now advances to the final, to face the host country Ivory Coast on Sunday.
