Super Eagles soar past Bafana Bafana in epic Afcon Semi
Kelechi Iheanacho with the decisive kick that took Nigeria one step closer to their fourth Afcon title
Bouake:The much anticipated clash between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana in Bouake ended 1-1 after a remarkable end to normal time in which the Video Assistant Referee played a crucial part in disallowing a Victor Osimhen tap in that would have put Nigeria ahead 2-0 and instead awarded a penalty to South Africa as there was a foul on Percy Tau in the build up.
Teboho Mokoena converted from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, sending the game into extra time, where Bafana Bafana defender Grant Kekana was sent off late on.
Mokoena, however, was one of two South African players whose spot-kicks were saved by goalie Stanley Nwabali as the Super Eagles prevailed to advance to the Sunday final, where they will face either the Democratic Republic of the Congo or the hosts, Ivory Coast.
It means Bafana Bafana’s long, long wait for a second Africa Cup of Nations win goes on. Their sole success came in 1996, when they beat Tunisia 2-0 as the host nation.
South Africa will face the loser of the second semi final match between hosts,Ivory Coast and DR Congo in the third-place play-off on Saturday at 8pm GMT.
