Super Eagles beat South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to qualify for AFCON finals

Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles in a keenly contested match yesterday night beat South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to qualify for the finals of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.

The Super Eagles won after a 1-1 draw for the first 120 minutes after which there was a penalty shoot-out ending the game with 4 goals in penalties to Bafana’s 2 goals.

Nigeria dominated territory early on but struggled to pick holes in South Africa’s well-organised rearguard. South Africa, meanwhile, targeted the space in behind the Nigeria defence, and that clarity of purpose helped them look the more dangerous side.

The first half, though, was goalless, and Nigeria picked it up thereafter, eventually forging in front when captain William Troost-Ekong scored from the penalty spot.

Then, on 85 minutes, they looked to have sealed the game, Victor Osimhen finishing a terrific counter. But VAR brought play back to the start of the move, finding that Alhassan Yusuf had fouled Percy Tau, and at the clocked ticked over the 90-minute mark, Teboho Mokoena scored from the spot.

The Eagles will now face host, Ivory Coast, or DR Congo in Sunday’s final.