ABIDJAN, Feb. 8– Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals on Wednesday. Sunday’s final will see the three-time champion face host Cote d’Ivoire, who had defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in the other semifinal. The first half was marked by attacks from both sides and alternating possession of the ball, but neither team could seize the chances to open the scoring. Following a foul on striker Victor Osimhen, the referee awarded Nigeria a penalty which was converted in the 67th minute by captain William Troost-Ekong. In the 90th minute, a VAR review saw a penalty awarded in favor of South Africa that Teboho Mokoena netted. In the 112th minute, a red card for Grant Kekana forced South Africa down to ten men, but no further goals were scored. In the penalty shootout, Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved from Mokoena and Evidence Magokpa to see the Super Eagles book their place in the final.
Xinhua
