Nigeria Clinches Dramatic Victory over South Africa in AFCON Semi-Final

Nigeria's Road to the Final

Nigeria reached their first Africa Cup of Nations final since 2013 with a dramatic penalty shootout win over South Africa.

The Super Eagles took the lead in the second half when William Troost-Ekong converted a penalty after Victor Osimhen was fouled.

In the dying moments of regular time, Nigeria thought they had secured a 2-0 victory, but a VAR check ruled out the goal and awarded South Africa a penalty.

Teboho Mokoena equalized from the spot, and the game went into extra time.

Neither team could find a winner in extra time, and the match went to penalties.

Nigeria emerged victorious, winning the shootout 4-2.

VAR Dominates the Match

The match between Nigeria and South Africa was heavily influenced by VAR decisions.

Nigeria initially thought they had scored their second goal in regular time, but VAR ruled it out and awarded South Africa a penalty.

The penalty was converted, and the game ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to extra time and eventually a penalty shootout.

VAR also played a role in South Africa losing defender Grant Kekana to a red card in extra time.

Nigeria's Heroic Goalkeeper

Nigeria's goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was the hero of the penalty shootout.

He made crucial saves from Teboho Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa to secure Nigeria's 4-2 victory.

Nwabali's performance played a vital role in Nigeria reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final.