Nigeria have sailed through to the AFCON final after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win against South Africa with the teams settling for a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes in Bouake on Wednesday.

It was Nigeria who drew first blood in the 67th minute of the game with William Troost-Ekong’s penalty converted to give the Super Eagles the lead.

Victor Osimhen thought he had sealed the victory late on, only for VAR to instead award South Africa a penalty for a foul in the buildup to the goal.

Teboho Mokoena converted to force the tie into extra time.

There were no further goals in the extra 30 minutes although South Africa were reduced to 10 men with Grant Kekana receiving a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity.

Stanley Nwabali gave Nigeria the advantage saving two penalties in the shootout. Kelechi Iheanacho dispatched the winning spot kick to send Nigeria through with a 4-2 scoreline.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

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