Host, Côte d’Ivoire will play Nigeria in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday.
While Nigeria defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalty to book a spot in the final, Côte d’Ivoire recorded a 1-0 victory over surprise package, Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC.
The two teams had earlier met in the group stage with the Super Eagles edging the Ivorians by 1-0.
The first semi-final was a thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats as Nigeria secured a momentous victory over South Africa.
The match, which unfolded with intense fervor and determination from both sides, saw Nigeria’s Super Eagles soaring to victory with a final score that left supporters jubilant. Despite facing formidable opposition from South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Nigeria demonstrated their prowess on the field, showcasing skillful plays and strategic maneuvers that ultimately secured their path to the AFCON finals.
The encounter was marked by moments of brilliance and tension, as each team fought fiercely for dominance on the pitch.
Nigeria took the lead in the second half when captain William Troost-Ekong converted a spot kick won by talisman Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen thought he had rounded out his fine performance with a late tap-in but a VAR check caused incredible drama in Bouake. The Napoli star’s strike was ruled out and South Africa were awarded a penalty following substitute Alhassan Yusuf’s rash challenge.
Teboho Mokoena duly dispatched and set up some nervy closing stages for Nigeria, who clung on before an end-to-end extra-time period. Grant Kekana was sent off late on for South Africa after another VAR check, with penalties ultimately needed to separate the two sides. Kelechi Iheanacho was the hero as Stanley Nwabali starred in goal saving two spot kicks to send the Super Eagles through.
Ronwen Williams couldn’t keep any of Nigeria’s spot kicks out but Ola Aina balloned his before Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning kick.
In the second semi-final, Sebastien Haller scored the winner as 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast beat DR Congo to set up a final meeting with Nigeria.
The only goal of a cagey contest in Abidjan came in the 65th minute when Haller’s volley bounced down into the ground and up over Leopards goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
The Borussia Dortmund striker should have opened the scoring just before the break with an unmarked header, and Haller also missed a chance to double the lead when he sent a lob narrowly wide.
DR Congo did not look like getting a late equaliser, although Meschack Elia sent a volley wide of the left-hand upright and Simon Banza then fired well over in injury time.
Ivory Coast had sacked Jean-Louis Gasset as boss before scraping through the group stage, and had needed late goals against both Senegal and Mali to progress to the last four.
But interim boss Emerse Fae now has a chance to guide the Elephants to a third continental title, adding to their triumphs in 1992 and 2015, when they face three-time winners Nigeria in Abidjan on Sunday
