By Daniel Mfoniso
The super Eagles are on the verge of becoming African Champions for the 4th time after overcoming the Bafana Bafana 4-2 on penalties to book their place in the finals of the ongoing CAF African cup of nations at Stade Bouake in Ivory Coast.
Coming into the game, the Eagles were playing their 15th semi-final at the CAF African Cup of Nations, while they have only progressed from one of their last six at this stage of the competition, which they went on to win the competition in South Africa in 2013.
On the other hand, South Africa happened to be in their fourth semi-final of the tournament, and their first since 2000 when they were eliminated by the same opponent Nigeria (2-0).
However, the Bafana Bafana began the game on high note with processions and forcing Stanley Nwabali the Eagles goalkeeper into making crucial saves to keep the super eagles in the game. But a goal from William Troost-Ekong gave the Eagles the lead following a foul on Victor Oshimhen in the penalty area to give Nigeria the lead.
Moreover, the Super Eagles looked to have sealed the game with Victor Osimhen finishing a terrific counter. But VAR brought the play back to the start of the move, following a foul on Percy Tau by Alhassan Yusuf and Teboho Mokoena scored from the spot to give the south African the equaliser.
Though both sides pushed for a winner in extra time but neither managed it, and though Ola Aina missed Nigeria’s third penalty, Mokoena, Evidence Makgopa, and Mothobi Mvala missed South Africa’s first, third and fourth to send the Super Eagles into the final.
