As the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana-Bafana of South Africa squared themselves in this epic semifinal at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday, February 7, there is much more at stake for both countries than a chance to play for the continent’s biggest football prize.
But it was Chippa United supporting goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali who turned out to be the penalty Hero, stopping 2 of the Bafana-Bafana attempts to head to the finals which facilitated the Super Eagles of Nigeria to defeat the Bafana-Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties and reach the final of Afcon. They will now meet Ivory Coast or DR Congo in the final.
The Super Eagles dominated early but struggled to pick holes in South Africa’s well-organized defense. Meanwhile, the Bafana-Bafana targeted the space behind the Nigeria defense, and that clarity of purpose helped them look at the more dangerous side.
The first half, though, was goalless, and the Super Eagles picked it up thereafter, eventually one goal up when captain William Troost-Ekong scored from the penalty spot.
Then, on 85 minutes, the Super Eagles looked to have sealed the game as the Napoli ace striker, Victor Osimhen scored a chickee goal in a terrific counterattack. But VAR brought play back to the start of the move, finding that Alhassan Yusuf had fouled Percy Tau, and at the clock ticked over the 90-minute mark, Teboho Mokoena scored from the spot which in a way dampened the spirit.
Both sides pushed for a winner in extra time but neither managed though Ola Aina missed Nigeria’s third penalty, Mokoena, Evidence Makgopa, and Mothobi missed South Africa’s first, third, and fourth to send the Super Eagles into the final.
