The final of the African Cup of Nations has been decided. This Wednesday, Nigeria beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties, after drawing 1-1 in regulation time and extra time.
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With the result, the team led by Napoli star Victor Osimhen secured the first place in the continental competition. The second place went to Ivory Coast, host of the tournament, who beat Congo 1-0.
With that, Nigeria and South Africa left all the emotions to live from the middle to the end of the match. In the 20th minute of the 2nd stage, Osimhen suffered a penalty in an individual play. Nigerian national team captain William Troost-Ekong hit and opened the scoring in the semi-final.
In the final stretch of the game, in the 40th minute of the 2nd half, Osimhen took advantage of a counterattack and made it 2-0 for Nigeria. However, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed, and South Africa were awarded a penalty to take. South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena took responsibility and scored to level everything and take the game into extra time.
With no goals in extra time, the decision to place in the final went to a penalty shootout. In penalties, Nigeria even missed a penalty with Ola Aina, but still won 4-2 and secured first place in the final of the African Cup of Nations.
On the other hand, even with the Ebimpé Olympic Stadium completely full, Ivory Coast struggled to open the scoring against Congo. Without many chances for either side, the 1st half ended with the score zero.
One of the big names in the Ivorian team, Sébastien Haller appeared to score in the 2nd half, making it 1-0 and qualifying Ivory Coast for the final.
Now, Nigeria and Ivory Coast face each other this Sunday, at the Ebimpé Olympic Stadium, in the final of the African Cup of Nations.
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