Kelechi Iheanacho secured Nigeria’s spot in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, netting the decisive penalty in a 4-2 shootout victory over South Africa in Bouake.
The match ended 1-1 after a dramatic finish to regular time, marked by a contentious referee decision disallowing Victor Osimhen’s goal and awarding a penalty to South Africa.
Teboho Mokoena converted the penalty in the 90th minute, forcing extra time, during which South Africa’s Grant Kekana received a late red card. However, Stanley Nwabali’s saves from two South African penalties propelled the Super Eagles to Sunday’s final against Ivory Coast, who defeated DR Congo.
William Troost-Ekong initially put Nigeria ahead with a penalty in the second half, aiming to lead the team to their fourth continental title, the first since 2013. Despite Nigeria’s perfect Nations Cup record against South Africa, including three previous victories, the first half saw a lackluster performance from Jose Peseiro’s side, with South Africa dominating possession. Percy Tau had a notable chance but failed to capitalize, shooting straight at Nwabali.
The Super Eagles showed more urgency in the second half, with Osimhen and Onyeka missing opportunities. Osimhen’s assertive run resulted in a penalty after a challenge from Mothobi Mvala.
Troost-Ekong confidently assumed penalty duties, reminiscent of his performance against Ivory Coast in the group stage. South Africa’s Evidence Makgopa narrowly missed an opportunity, while Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman failed to capitalize on a chance to seal the win, allowing Williams to make a crucial save.
In the closing minutes of regular time, Osimhen believed he had secured the win for Nigeria by converting Osayi-Samuel’s pass, leading to a jubilant celebration among Nigerian fans.
However, the joy was short-lived as the referee, prompted by the VAR, disallowed the goal and awarded a penalty to South Africa for Yusuf’s earlier foul on Tau. Mokoena maintained composure, successfully converting the penalty and ending Nigeria’s run of consecutive clean sheets in the tournament.
South Africa had a golden opportunity to clinch victory during the six minutes of added time when Mudau failed to capitalize on Nwabali’s deflection from Mokoena’s free-kick, sending his shot over the bar.
Despite Williams saving attempts from Lookman and Osimhen in extra time, the most promising chance came when Moffi broke towards the South Africa goal. However, Kekana’s trip on Moffi resulted in a red card after VAR intervention, awarding Nigeria a free-kick just outside the box.
Although Iheanacho’s effort from the set piece was stopped by Williams, Nigeria secured victory in the shootout after Nwabali saved shots from Mokoena and Makgopa.
The Bafana Bafana captain, unable to replicate his quarterfinal heroics, fell short in the shootout, allowing Nigeria to advance to the final. The match showcased the intense drama and unpredictability characteristic of the tournament, underscoring the resilience and determination of both teams amidst the pressure of the semifinal stage.
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