Nigeria thrash South Africa in penalty shootout to reach Africa Cup of Nations final

Date:

Share post:

BOUAKE, Ivory Coast, Feb 7 (Reuters) – Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved two penalties in the shootout to guide his side to a 4-2 victory over South Africa following a 1-1 draw on Wednesday and earn a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Nigeria had lost five of their previous six semi-finals at the continental finals but survived some nervous moments to book a place in Sunday’s decider against either hosts Ivory Coast or the Democratic Republic of Congo, who meet later on Wednesday.

William Troost-Ekong put Nigeria into the lead from the penalty spot midway through the second half, before South Africa earned a spot-kick of their own in the final minute of the 90 and it was converted by Teboho Mokoena.

South Africa lost defender Grant Kekana to a red card in extra time as Nigeria put them under constant pressure, and then lost their nerve too in the shootout as Nwabali saved from Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa.

spot_img

Related articles

Abakaliki residents to enjoy water from Oferekpe water scheme

Oferekpe, Nigeria - Residents of the Ebonyi state capital, Abakaliki, who hitherto have lacked water, will be inundated...

War Crimes: Netanyahu, Gallant, Hamas commander issued arrest warrants

Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former...

Finland Govt arrest Simon Ekpa for spreading terrorist propaganda 

The engine of crisis in the Eastern part of Nigeria and the self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous...

President: Lawmakers reject Bill for a six-year single term

Members of the House of Representatives have rejected a bill seeking to introduce a six-year single term for...