Pitso Mosimane Reacts As Nigeria Defeat South Africa via Penalties To Reach AFCON 2023 Final

• Pitso Mosimane has applauded Bafana Bafana despite their loss to Nigeria
• The Super Eagles edged South Africa via a penalty shootout to reach the final of the 2023 AFCON
• Nigeria had to do it the hard way, with South Africa putting up a fight from start to finish

Abha Club of Saudi Arabia manager, Pitso Mosimane, has reacted after Nigeria edged South Africa to reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

It was a fight to finish at Stade de la Paix in Bouake as both teams matched each other from start to finish.

After a nerve-racking goalless first-half, Nigeria had an opportunity from the spot in the 67th minute when Victor Osimhen was brought down in the box.

Stand-in captain William Troost-Ekong stepped up and then slotted home to give the West Africans the lead.

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Ademola Lookman had a chance to wrap things up later in the game, but his attempt to go round goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was thwarted.

There was mild drama in the 87th minute after Nigeria broke on the counter-attack, and the ball was squared to Osimhen to tap in.

The referee was summoned to the VAR screen – and he eventually gave South Africa a penalty for an earlier foul in the danger area.

Teboho Mokoena scored from the spot to draw his side level, forcing the game into extra time.

There were no goals after 30 minutes of extra time, and Nigeria eventually won the penalty shootout 4-2, with Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa missing their spot kicks.

After the final whistle, former Mamelodi Sundowns manager Pitso Mosimane wrote:

"Absolutely. We gave a very big fight and no team was comfortable playing against SA. Now for the final in Morocco.

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"Proud of the team, Coach Broos, Helman Mkhalele and the entire team technical team."

Nigerian players celebrate Nwabali

Sports Brief earlier reported that South Africa-based goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a Man of the Match performance to send Nigeria into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles shot-stopper saved two penalties as Nigeria beat South Africa on penalties to secure their place in the final on Sunday.

After the game, players of the Super Eagles run to the goalkeeper to celebrate him for his heroic display.