Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa was a true spectacle of football. The match ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw, with Nigeria eventually prevailing 4-2 on penalties.
From the first whistle, both teams displayed their determination and skill. The Nigerian side showcased their attacking prowess, constantly pressuring the South African defense. However, it was South Africa who struck first with an impressive goal from Themba Zwane in the 20th minute. This setback only fueled Nigeria's resolve to equalize.
The two-time champions are the first host country to reach the final of the Cup of Nations since Egypt in 2006, and the turnaround is absolutely remarkable for a team that was on the brink of elimination in the group stage.
In contrast, it was an agonising defeat for DR Congo, who had been dreaming of a first appearance in an AFCON final since they were champions as Zaire in 1974.
Ivory Coast's run at the tournament had been described on the eve of this game as "miraculous" by their own interim coach Emerse Fae, the man who replaced the sacked Jean-Louis Gasset following embarrassing results in the group stage.
South Africa finished with 10 men when Grant Kekana was sent off on 115 minutes for a last-defender foul. 
Nigeria entered the match with a perfect record against South Africa in the premier African football competition having won three previous meetings.
The Super Eagles beat Bafana Bafana (The Boys) 2-0 in a 2000 semi-final in Nigeria, 4-0 in a group match four years later in Tunisia and 2-1 in a 2019 quarter-final in Egypt.
Jose Peseiro made one change to the team that beat Angola 1-0, bringing in Bright Osayi-Samuel for left-back Zaidu Sanusi, who did not train on the eve of the match.
Star Napoli forward Osimhen started for the three-time champions after recovering from an abdominal discomfort that delayed his arrival in Bouake from Abidjan.
No team has had more direct attacks than South Africa in this year’s AFCON — and with Tau finding space behind Nigeria’s high line on several occasions, opportunities continued to fall his way. One notably clear sight of goal, when he was one v one against Nwabali, was spoilt by a heavy touch.
Though Mokoena’s late penalty rescued South Africa’s hopes, there was still a glorious late chance for them to win it in normal time. Makgopa and Khuliso Mudau grew in prominence — and the latter missed an open goal with seconds left after Mokoena’s free-kick was parried into his path.
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