Nigeria reach the AFCON final for the first time since 2013
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have reached the final of the African Cup of Nations after edging South Africa via penalties on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The encounter had ended 1-1 after full time and extra time at the Peace Stadium of Bouaké after William Troost-Ekong's penalty was cancelled by Teboho Mokoena.
A first half dominated by the South Africans saw the Eagles defend and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali making a 39 minutes save to keep the score goalless at the end of the first half.
The Super Eagles came out better putting pressure the Bafana Bafana and the goal did come after Victor Osimhen was hacked down for Ekong to score in the 67th minute.
It could have been a second goal for the West Africans after Osimhen tapped a cross from Bright Osayi, but the goal was ruled out due to a fowl at the other end discovered courtesy of the VAR which resulted in a penalty scored by Teboho Mokoena in the 90th minute.
The extra time came with more intensity as substitute Terem Moffi who replaced Victor Osimhen got fouled by Gomolemo Kekana in a goal-bound situation which led to a red card for Kekana and a free kick for Nigeria.
It ended 1-1 after 120 minutes and 2 minutes of added time before the 3-time champions won 4-2 on penalties to reach the final after 10 years.
Uche Dozie
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