Nigeria Beat South Africa on Penalties to Reach AFCON Final After VAR Drama

Nigeria beat South Africa in a penalty shootout to reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. VAR had earlier dramatically disallowed a Victor Osimhen goal.

Nigeria beat South Africa in a penalty shootout on Wednesday to reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles prevailed 4-2 on spot-kicks thanks to two saves by keeper Stanley Nwabali.

Wednesday's semi-final had earlier ended 1-1 after normal time, with both goals coming from penalties.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning spot-kick as Nigeria beat South Africa in a penalty shootout to reach the final of AFCON 2023 / beIN SPORTS

William Troost-Ekong fired Nigeria ahead from 12 yards midway through the second half after Victor Osimhen had been fouled by Mothobi Mval.

Osimhen later thought he had given Nigeria a 2-0 lead in the 85th minute when he tapped home from close range following a fine run by Osayi Samuel.

However, a VAR review eventually disallowed Osimhen's goal due to a foul at the other end.

That foul resulted in a penalty kick, which was converted by Teboho Mokoena in the final minute of the 90.

FROM GOAL TO PENALTY 🔥

After Osimhen's goal was disallowed, the referee awards a PENALTY to South Africa 😶
Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs South Africa 🇿🇦 LIVE now on #beINSPORTS 📺 #NGRRSA pic.twitter.com/PeYcUiEYRb

— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 7, 2024

South Africa were reduced to 10 men 25 minutes into extra time following more work by the VAR.

Grant Kekana was shown a straight red card for a foul that denied Terem Moffi a clear scoring opportunity.

The VAR checked for a possible penalty before confirming that Kekana's foul had taken place outside of the 18-yard box.

South Africa had beaten Cape Verde on penalties in the quarter-finals thanks to FOUR saves by keeper Ronwen Williams.

But Williams was unable to replicate those heroics in Wednesday's shootout as Moffi, Kenneth Omeruo, Troost-Ekong and Kelechi Iheanacho all found the net for Nigeria.

Ola Aina missed the target for the Super Eagles but that error did not cost his team thanks to Nwabali, who kept out efforts from Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa.

Nigeria will now face Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday. The tournament hosts beat DR Congo 1-0 in Wednesday's other semi-final.

Highlights: Nigeria 1-1 South Africa (4-2 on penalties)