Nwabali’s shootout heroics against South Africa send Nigeria to Afcon final

Nigeria made it to their eighth Africa Cup of Nations final by defeating South Africa in a thrilling semi-final match that went into penalties. The Nigerian goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, emerged as the hero of the match as he saved penalty shots from both Teboho Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa. However, the match was filled with extraordinary moments that involved VAR technology. The penalty shootout marked the end of an intense game that showcased both teams' perseverance and skill.

Nigeria believed that they secured their spot in the final after Victor Osimhen scored in the 85th minute, following William Troost-Ekong's penalty goal in the second half. However, the referee Amin Omar was instructed to get involved.

After reviewing the footage, it was clear that South Africa's Percy Tau had been unfairly challenged within the penalty box. As a result, the score was adjusted from 2-0 in favor of Nigeria, to a tied score of 1-1. Mokoena confidently scored the penalty kick from a distance of 12 yards.

Towards the conclusion of extra time, Grant Kekana, who is a defender from South Africa, was expelled before Nwabali's goal made a significant impact in securing a place for the 2013 champions in the final.

Before the game, Osimhen was cleared to play but soon after the match began, he fell down in agony following a tackle from Siyanda Xulu. Although he was able to continue playing, the start of the game was uneventful.

During the first fifteen minutes, South Africa was mostly scrambling to defend. However, at the 27-minute mark, they asked for a penalty when a cross from Khuliso Mudau touched the elbow of Fulham defender Calvin Bassey. However, as his arms were tucked in, the request was denied. Subsequently, the game shifted with South Africa taking control. However, when Percy Tau had the chance to score, his shot was too weak and went straight to Nwabali. A few minutes later, he almost got another chance, but his touch was too heavy.

Nigeria faced difficulties in generating opportunities after a promising beginning, yet Osimhen reiterated his danger by missing an opportunity when he headed off the target from a corner just before halftime. The key player for Nigeria was pivotal in creating the first goal. Osimhen executed a magnificent spin to elude Aubrey Modiba, then entered the penalty area before being fouled by Mothobi Mvala.

Troost-Ekong took charge of the spot-kick, and his low shot glided beneath the body of South Africa's penalty shootout hero, Ronwen Williams, to score and separate the deadlock after 67 minutes. Immediately after, South Africa surged forward, looking for an equalizer, but Makgopa's attempt skidded off target. Normal time climaxed dramatically with a late twist.

Initially, Williams went down low to defend against Ademola Lookman, who was given an opportunity to score. However, in the 85th minute, Nigeria scored as Osimhen tapped the ball into the net from the back post, prompting celebrations. Unfortunately, the Super Eagles' excitement quickly turned into disbelief when the referee, Omar, was instructed to review the goal with the help of VAR.

At the beginning of the play, Alhassan Yusuf, a Nigerian substitute, caught Tau inside the area. A replay was shown to Omar, which led to the disallowment of the goal and a penalty for South Africa. There was chaos, but Mokoena managed to keep his composure and scored from the spot with only 90 minutes on the clock. However, South Africa could have had an even better outcome if Khuliso Mudau had scored when he had only Williams to beat. This missed opportunity occurred in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Nigeria made an impressive comeback with Lookman testing Williams before Osimhen took a shot that was saved well. Osimhen missed a header shortly after, and Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro decided to substitute him with Terem Moffi. Moffi's first involvement in the game resulted in Kekana getting sent off.

The use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system was necessary again during the match, as referee Omar made a ruling that Hlompho Kekana had committed a foul against Terem Moffi. However, the impact happened right outside the penalty area. As a result, the game required penalties to determine the winner. It was Chidera Nwabali who emerged as the standout player, and ultimately, Kelechi Iheanacho's goal was enough to send Nigeria into the finals once more.