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| Nigeria beats South Africa on penalties to reach AFCON final #AFCON2024 |
The Stade de la Paix in Bouaké erupted in a cacophony of green and white jubilation as the Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory over South Africa, booking their place in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations final. The pulsating encounter, dubbed the "Amapiano Derby" by fans, witnessed a rollercoaster of emotions before Nigeria etched their name in the tournament's history. Nigeria secured their spot in the final of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over South Africa on Wednesday.
A tense affair unfolded from the outset, with both sides showcasing resolute defending and cautious attacking forays. The deadlock was finally broken in the 67th minute when a penalty was awarded to Nigeria after Victor Osimhen, the African Player of the Year, was brought down in the box. Captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up with nerves of steel to convert the spot-kick, sending the Nigerian faithful into raptures.
The Super Eagles had taken the lead in the 67th minute when captain William Troost-Ekong converted a penalty after Victor Osimhen was fouled in the box by Mothobi Mvala.
However, just when victory seemed assured, a controversial VAR review overturned a second Nigerian goal scored by Osimhen, deeming a foul in the build-up. The momentum swung drastically, and South Africa capitalized with a penalty of their own, expertly converted by Teboho Mokoena in the 90th minute. Extra time failed to produce a winner, forcing the dreaded penalty shootout.
The game went into extra time, where Nigeria dominated but failed to find a winner. South Africa were reduced to 10 men in the 115th minute when Grant Kekana received his second yellow card for a foul on Osimhen.
The match was decided by a penalty shootout, where Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero by saving two spot-kicks from Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa. Kelechi Iheanacho scored the decisive penalty to send Nigeria to their ninth AFCON final.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero for Nigeria, making crucial saves against Mokoena and Makgopa to silence the South African hopes. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the decisive penalty, sending the Super Eagles soaring into the final amidst a wave of ecstatic celebrations.
Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro praised his team's resilience and character after the thrilling win.
"It was a very tough game, very emotional. South Africa played very well and gave us a lot of problems. But we showed our quality and our spirit. We never gave up and we fought until the end. I'm very proud of my players and I congratulate them for this achievement," he said.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos was disappointed with the result but proud of his team's performance.
"We came very close to reaching the final. We played a great game and we matched Nigeria in every aspect. We were unlucky with the VAR decision and the penalties. But I have to congratulate my players for their effort and their courage. They showed that they belong to this level," he said.
The victory not only marks Nigeria's 15th appearance in the AFCON final, but also extends their unbeaten run in the tournament to six matches. Coach Augustine Eguavoen praised his team's resilience and fighting spirit, stating, "We knew it wouldn't be easy, but these boys showed incredible character to come back from the VAR decision and win the shootout. We're now one step closer to our dream, and we'll give it our all in the final."
Nigeria will face the host nation, Ivory Coast, in the final on February 11th, aiming to add a fourth AFCON title to their illustrious trophy cabinet. The encounter promises to be a electrifying affair, with both teams hungry for continental glory. The Super Eagles will be aiming for their fourth AFCON title and their first since 2013.
South Africa will play the loser of the second semifinal in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
Nigeria's path to the final:
Group Stage: Won all 3 matches (Egypt, Sudan, Guinea-Bissau)
Round of 16: Defeated Tunisia 2-1
Quarter-final: Defeated Angola 1-0
Semi-final: Defeated South Africa 4-2 (penalties)
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