Nwabali Stops Bafana Bafana As Super Eagles Book A Place In AFCON 2023 Final On 4-2 Penalties (1-1)
....... Ivory Coast sets up a final clash against Nigeria after slim victory over DR Congo.
By Olopade Sakiru
The Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali shone like a million stars with his heroic performance in the semi-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa in a thrilling encounter won by the Super Eagles 4-2.
Nwabali who was the player of the match in an action soaked game, saved two penalties with two glaring chances in the first half to keep Super Eagles on course.
The encounter saw the Bafana Bafana putting up a brilliant performance with water-tight defense, enjoyed better position with fluid mid-field display, forcing some corner kicks, looking more dangerous but Super Eagles defense proved formidable.
In the 67th minute, Mothobi Mvala fouled Victor Osimhen while captain fantastic, Williams Troost Ekong took the responsibility upon his shoulder to slot home the resultant penalty to give Nigeria the lead.
Thereafter, South Africa turned the heat on Nigeria to get the equalizer. However, Nigeria adopting counter attack which almost paid off as what could have been the second goal was ruled out by the VAR after Alhassan Yusuf had fouled Percy Tau in the build up that culminated into the goal.
However, in the 90th minute, Teboho Mokoena restored parity, scoring from a penalty kick.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the extra time with the South Africans playing with 10 men after Girant
Kellana was sent off in 115th minute for a last defender foul.
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