Nigeria qualify for their eighth final after a thrilling semi-final win over Bafana Bafana on Wednesday.
The Super Eagles maintained their 100% AFCON record against Bafana Bafana, recording their 4th win from four meetings over their opponents.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty as Nigeria booked their place in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a 4-2 shootout win over South Africa.
The game in Bouake finished 1-1 following a remarkable end to normal time which involved the referee going to his video monitor to disallow a Victor Osimhen strike which would have put Nigeria 2-0 up – and instead awarding a penalty to South Africa.
Teboho Mokoena converted from the spot in the 90th minute to send the game into a goalless period of extra-time where Bafana Bafana defender Grant Kekana was sent off late one.
But Mokoena was one of two South African players to see their spot-kicks saved by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as the Super Eagles triumphed to reach Sunday’s final, where they will play either hosts Ivory Coast or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa said the South African team has fought gallantly and made the nation proud.
“Hold your heads up high team Bafana Bafana. You played your hearts out. You fought gallantly till the end. You made your presence felt at AFCON 2023 games and were excellent ambassadors for the country. You’ve made us proud,” he said immediately after the match.
Inside Politics Reporter with BBC
