Super Eagles of Nigeria have advanced to the final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast after beating Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties Wednesday.
In the line-up against South Africa, the head coach, Jose Peseiro, only made one change in the squad that faced Angola, with Osayi-Samuel replacing Zaidu.
Captain William Troost-Ekong was the goalscorer from the penalty spot while Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty as goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved twice in the shoot-out to set Nigeria on the road to her eighth AFCON final.
Osimhen was doubtful a day into the encounter but the striker recovered to lead the line expertly, while Bright Osayi-Samuel deputized for injured Zaidu Sanusi.
South Africa had more of the possession early on and fashioned the first real opportunity through Sphephelo Sithole who shot straight at Nwabali from distance following a mistake in defence, and the 27-year-old saved again from Percy Tau.
The South Africans continued to probe but the Super Eagles had the next chance when Alex Iwobi also shot straight at Ronwen Williams before Evidence Makgopa drew a sprawling save from Nwabali who clawed a curler away from goal. Osimhen then headed wide from a corner kick as both sides went into the interval all square.
Nigeria came out with more purpose in the second half and Osimhen singlehandedly took on three defenders to win a penalty off Mvala’s mistimed tackle in the box. Coming up against Ronwen Williams who had saved four penalties in their quarter-final victory, Troost-Ekong stepped up to slot the ball onto the net for a 1-0 lead on 67 minutes. The Bafana Bafana almost provided an immediate response through Makgopa’s drilled shot that went inches wide of the far post.
Osimhen thought he had sealed Nigeria’s win with the second goal of the game at the back post but VAR cancelled the goal after a review and gave South Africa a penalty for Yusuf’s foul in the box. Tebohong Mokoena sent Nwabali the wrong way to square the match. There was still a chance for both sides to win it at the death but Khuliso Mudau blazed wide from a rebound while Samuel Chukwueze did the same at the other end as the match went into extra time.
Nigeria then created two chances in first half extra-time with Lookman’s stinger headed for the far post and Osimhen’s bullet low shot both saved by Williams.
Grant Kekana stopped substitute Terrem Moffi in his stride and earned himself a red card but Iheanacho could not convert and the match went into penalties.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning kick after Nwabali had saved two penalties to win 4-2 on penalties.
Nigeria will play the winner of the match between hosts Ivory Coast and DR Congo on Sunday
