Izuchukwu OkosiNigeria will face the winner of the second semifinal game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire as the three-time African champions beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties after a nervy 1-1 draw in 120 minutes of football, reports Prime Business Africa.
The Eagles went ahead with a penalty scored by on-field captain William Troost Ekong in the second half after står striker Victor Osimhen was brought down in the box.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSamuel Chukwueze set up Ademola Lookman who should have hit the ball instinctively but opted to round the goalkeeper which did not go according to plans.
South Africa equalised through Aaron Moekena just after Osimhen’s goal was ruled out due to an infringement leading to the goal as committed by Alhasan Yusuf who had replaced Alex Iwobi.
The extra time was a bit tepid as South Africa relied on counter attacks but were curtailed by the Eagles.
In the ensuing penalty kicks, Ola Aina missed his kick but Man of the Match and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made two saves to ensure Nigeria’s passage to the final.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning kick.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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