AFCON 2023: Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali Shines as Super Eagles Set Up Final Against Ivory Coast

• Nigeria faced off against South Africa in the semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• Goals from William Troost-Ekong and Teboho Mokoena saw the game head into extra time
• Stanley Nwabali shone in the shootout to secure an AFCON final spot for the Super Eagles

Nigeria clinched their spot in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought victory over South Africa's formidable Bafana Bafana.

Despite being three-time Cup of Nations champions and entering the pivotal showdown as favourites, Nigeria did not have it easy in the match.

Throughout the first half, there was a flurry of opportunities at both ends, but the game only ignited in the 64th minute from the penalty spot.

South Africa defender, Mothobi Mvala, brought down Nigeria's Victor Osimhen in the penalty area. Stepping up as captain, William Troost-Ekong coolly dispatched the ensuing penalty, granting the Super Eagles a crucial lead.

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Jose Peseiro's side believed they had secured a second goal when Osimhen netted in the 86th minute. However, their celebrations were cut short as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened, determining that midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf, had committed a foul on forward, Percy Tau, in the build-up to the goal.

In a dramatic turn of events, Bafana Bafana were awarded a penalty, duly converted by midfielder, Teboho Mokoena, levelling the scoreline.

With the game deadlocked, extra time followed and was marked by little goalmouth action, save for a red card shown to Grank Kekena in the 118th minute. The match then proceeded to a tense penalty shootout.

Against the odds, Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali emerged as his country's hero, making two crucial saves from the four spot kicks he faced.

The shootout concluded with a 4-2 victory for Nigeria, securing their place in the AFCON final for the first time since their triumph in South Africa in 2013.

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South Africa hits Kudus celebration

Sports Brief also previously reported on the players of Bafana Bafana performing the iconic celebration of Ghana's Mohammed Kudus after equalising against Nigeria.

Hugo Broos' side managed to draw level at the end of the semi-final via a penalty converted by Teboho Mokoena, but they would go on to lose in the post-match shootout.