AFCON 2023: Nigeria 1-1 South Africa (4-2 Penalties) Super Eagles QUALIFY For AFCON Final! [VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS]

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have defeated the Bafana Bafana of South Africa to qualify for the 2023 AFCON final, LCSoccerHub Reports.

It was a dramatic and rollercoaster clash between the teams, who crossed swords at the Bouate Stadium for a place in the final of the tournament.

While the Super Eagles were aiming to reach their 8th AFCON final, the Bafana Bafana were hoping to reach their first AFCON final since 1992.

Meanwhile, the two teams have met thrice in AFCON with Nigeria coming out victorious on all occasions

The most recent victory came in the 2019 edition of the tournament when the Super Eagles eliminated the Bafana Bafana in the quarterfinals of the competition.

At the Bouate Stadium, the two teams renewed hostilities having progressed to the last four of the tournament as one of the best teams, with four clean sheets in their last four matches.

South Africa impressed in the first half with a slew of chances but were denied by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwaballi.

The Super Eagles also had some chances in the first 45 but could not make them count as Ronwen Williams live up to the billing with superb goalkeeping to keep the scores barren.

Both sides showed a solid defensive display throughout the first half and it ended goalless at the break.

In the second half, Victor Osimhen won a penalty for Nigeria which was awarded after a VAR check. William-Troost Ekong converted it perfectly to give the Super Eagles the lead.

A few minutes to the end of regulation time, Osimhen thought he has sealed the victory for the Super Eagles after he tapped in a cross at the back post to make it 2-0. Celebrations erupted on the Nigeria stands and the Super Eagles bench as the three-time African champions thought they have doubled the lead.

In a shock twist of events, the party was spoiled with a VAR call on Alhassan’s tackle on a South Africa player in the box before the goal.

The goal was ruled out after a VAR check for the foul in the build-up and a penalty was awarded to South Africa. Mokoena converted the spot-kick to level the scores, dragging the game into extra time. Both sides failed to find the back of the net after extra time leading to penalties.

The Super Eagles converted all their spot-kicks except Ola Aina who fired his over the crossbar. Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwaballi saved two spot-kicks to hand Nigeria a 4-2 shoot-out victory.

With the win, the Super Eagles have progressed to their 8th AFCON final and will play the winner of the other semifinal match between Ivory Coast and DR Congo.

Watch Video Highlights Below 

https://youtu.be/JkDijRwo8OI?si=uNlpKSqSiPN6ybGr