An absolutely crazy twist!
Nigeria already saw itself qualified for the final of the 2024 African Cup of Nations. After a lightning counter-attack, the Super Eagles, thanks to Victor Osimhen, took a two-goal lead five minutes from time ( 85th, 2-0).
But after the intervention of the video referee, the goal was canceled.
A Nigerian foul at the start of the action was punished, giving South Africa a penalty.
Teboho Mokoena then presented himself against Stanley Nwabali.
For the most important penalty of his career, he did not tremble and turned this match into an irrational one (89th, 1-1).
In the space of a few moments, Nigerians went from total joy to terrible disillusionment.
The emotional elevator took the opposite direction for the South Africans who, from being eliminated, were transformed into survivors.
🏆🌍 #CAN2023
😱 WHAT A CRAZY SCENARIO!!!
😳 Victor Osimhen doubles the lead for Nigeria... but the referee whistles a penalty for South Africa!!!
💥 Bafana Bafana equalize in the last minutes and completely restart this 1/2 final!!!
#beINCAN2023 #NIGAFS pic.twitter.com/YWbQtUSLWp
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) February 7, 2024
At the origin of this set of events, an avoidable fault from Alhassan Yusuf in his area.
The 23-year-old midfielder entered the field a little earlier, in place of Alex Iwobi (63rd).
Earlier in the match, William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring for Nigeria (67th, 1-0).
It was already a penalty, obtained by Victor Osimhen, cut down in the area.
South Africa could even have won after added time but Khuliso Mudau, alone facing the empty goal, sent his attempt over (90th + 6).
Regular time therefore ended with a score of parity.