Nigeria Beat South Africa on Penalties to Reach AFCON Final After VAR Drama

William Troost-Ekong fired Nigeria ahead from 12 yards midway through the second half after Victor Osimhen had been fouled by Mothobi Mval.

Osimhen later thought he had given Nigeria a 2-0 lead in the 85th minute when he tapped home from close range following a fine run by Osayi Samuel.

However, a VAR review eventually disallowed Osimhen's goal due to a foul at the other end.

That foul resulted in a penalty kick, which was converted by Teboho Mokoena in the final minute of the 90.

South Africa were reduced to 10 men 25 minutes into extra time following more work by the VAR.

Grant Kekana was shown a straight red card for a foul that denied Terem Moffi a clear scoring opportunity.

The VAR checked for a possible penalty before confirming that Kekana's foul had taken place outside of the 18-yard box.

South Africa had beaten Cape Verde on penalties in the quarter-finals thanks to FOUR saves by keeper Ronwen Williams.

But Williams was unable to replicate those heroics in Wednesday's shootout as Moffi, Kenneth Omeruo, Troost-Ekong and Kelechi Iheanacho all found the net for Nigeria.

Ola Aina missed the target for the Super Eagles but that error did not cost his team thanks to Nwabali, who kept out efforts from Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa.

Highlights: Nigeria 1-1 South Africa (4-2 on penalties)