Overview:
The Chippa United goalkeeper Stlaney Bobbi "Bobo" Nwabali saved from Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa in the shoot-out against Teboho Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa.
AFCON 2023:
Semi-finals:
- Nigeria 1 (4) – 1 (2) South Africa
- Cote D’Ivoire 1-0 Democratic Republic of Congo
Nigeria booked their berth to the final of the 2023 AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire.
The Super Eagles eliminated 1996 AFCON champions South Africa 4-2 in post-match penalties at Stade Bouake during the first semi-final on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Normal time of this interesting duel had ended 1-goal apiece with the additional 30 minutes also ending all square before the decisive shoot-out.
After a goal-less opening 45 minutes, the game was lit up with a penalty by Nigerian captain William Troost Ekong in the 67th minute.
Ekong, who features in the Greek super league at PAOK beat goalkeeper Ronwen Williams from 12 yards.
There was drama as South Africa equalized through their own penalty by Teboho Mokoena on the stroke of full-time.
The penalty was awarded after a VAR review despite Nigeria having scored earlier to make it 2-0 through talisman Victor Oshimen.
With Oshimen’s goal disallowed, an earlier foul was called against Nigeria with Mokoena scoring the equalizer to force the extra-30 minutes.
South Africa were reduced to 10 men following a red card for Grant Kekana in the 115th minute.
In the tense shoot-out, South Africa missed two penalties after Nigerian goalkeeper Stlaney Bobbi “Bobo” Nwabali saved twice.
The Chippa United goalkeeper saved from Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa in the shoot-out.
Nwabali was named the man-of-the match.
Nigeria will now face hosts Cote D’Ivoire in the final that will be played on Sunday, 11th February 2024 at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe.
Cote D’Ivoire overcame Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) 1-0 courtesy of Sebastien Haller’s goal in the 65th minute.
The Super Eagles are eyeing their fourth title after success in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
