Nigeria secured their spot in the AFCON final by edging past South Africa in a tense penalty shootout. Despite a spirited effort from South Africa, Nigeria emerged victorious, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerging as the hero by saving two crucial penalties.
The match saw William Troost-Ekong give Nigeria the lead with a penalty in the second half, only for South Africa to equalize with their own spot-kick converted by Teboho Mokoena in the dying moments of regular time.
South Africa’s hopes were further dampened when defender Grant Kekana received a red card in extra time, leaving them under immense pressure from Nigeria’s relentless attacks. As the match went to penalties, Nwabali’s saves from Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa secured Nigeria’s path to the final.
