Just when you thought the 2023 AFCON had exhausted its thrill reserves, Nigeria and South Africa delivered a heart-stopping rollercoaster ride in the semifinals.
The Super Eagles were on the brink of glory, then seemingly on the ropes, before edging through a nail-biting penalty shootout to book their place in the final.
After a tight, tense encounter, Nigeria thought they had secured victory with Osimhen’s late goal.
But VAR intervened, not only disallowing the strike but awarding South Africa a penalty, which Mokoena converted to equalize.
In the dying seconds, Mudau had a golden chance to win it for Bafana Bafana, but his shot blazed over.
Extra time failed to provide a breakthrough, sending the match to penalties. Despite Ronwen Williams’ heroics in the last round, South Africa’s luck ran out.
Iheanacho’s calm and composed penalty sealed Nigeria’s 4-3 victory and a dramatic escape from a match seemingly destined for South Africa’s hands.
The Super Eagles may have flirted with disaster, but they survived the drama and will now battle for AFCON glory. Get ready for another edge-of-your-seat encounter!