Nigeria are through to the AFCON final after beating South Africa in a penalty shootout on a night of ceaseless entertainment. William Troost-Ekong, Nigeria’s captain, put his side ahead with a 67th-minute penalty which had been won following a stunning dribble by Victor Osimhen. The Napoli star then looked to have sealed victory for Nigeria with a close-range finish in the 83rd minute, but the goal was overturned by VAR and, sensationally, South Africa were awarded a penalty following a foul in the build-up. Teboho Mokoena converted from the spot to make it 1-1 and the game went to extra time where both teams had chances to win it, before goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili proved the hero in the shootout to secure victory for Nigeria. Here, The Athletic's writers Carl Anka and Jacob Whitehead analyse and evaluate the key talking points from the game.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 08, 2024 11:35 UTC