Nigeria vs South Africa – Kelechi Iheanacho rescues Nigeria on penalties in tight AFCON semifinal

Nigeria will have a day with destiny in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) as they booked a place in the final of the tournament in a narrow in on Wednesday (Feb 7) evening. Rescued by former Manchester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, the Super Eagles secured a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over South Africa in the semifinal after the match finished 1-1 after extra time. The win will see Nigeria face either the Ivory Coast or the Democratic Republic of Congo with them clashing in the later clash.

Nigeria vs South Africa match analysis

Having so far endured a surprise run in the tournament, South Africa did not have the best outing but managed to keep Nigeria at bay in a tight first half at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake. Coach Jose Peseiro’s decision to bring in Bright Osayi-Samuel for left-back Zaidu Sanusi was crucial as it helped keep affairs tight in the first half. Nigeria had earlier beaten Angola 1-0 and showed no hangovers from that contest.

Napoli’s star forward Victor Osimhen had few chances in the first half after recovering from an abdominal discomfort that delayed his arrival in Bouake from Abidjan. Hugo Broos’ decision also paid dividends having recalled central defender Siyanda Xulu in place of Thapelo Morena.

While the slate was empty at half time, Nigeria had their concerns when Osimhen knelt clutching his abdomen, but he continued after treatment and worked tirelessly.

Also Read: Nigeria’s Osimhen Overcomes Injury Scare, Ready for AFCON Semifinal Showdown Against South Africa

It was in the 67th minute when the deadlock was broken as Troost-Ekong converted from the penalty spot after Osimhen was fouled in the penalty area. Teboho Mokoena then equalised from a 90th minute spot-kick after Nigeria thought they had scored a second goal through a tap-in from star forward Osimhen. But the play was called back to the other end of the field after VAR alerted the Egyptian referee that South African Percy Tau had been fouled in the penalty area.

With no goals being scored in the extra time, it was the lottery of penalties that decided the contest as Nigeria clinched the win 4-2.

With this win Nigeria have extended their perfect record against South Africa in the AFCON and have now won four matches against the Bafana Bafana (The Boys). Nigeria won 2-0 in a 2000 semifinal while in 2004 they beat their opposite number 4-0 in Tunisia. In their previous meeting in 2019, Nigeria beat South Africa 2-1 in a tense quarterfinal contest.

The Super Eagles will now wait for the winner of Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo who meet in the later contest.