William Troost-Ekong’s the late winner sent Nigeria through to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday after the spectacular 2-1 victory over South Africa in Cairo.
Samuel Chukwueze the Super Eagles scored goal in the first half in front of the large crowd of Nigerian at the 75,000-capacity Cairo International Stadium.
But Bongani Zungu’s the South Africa player work harder to score 1goal level on 70 minutes, the goal awarded with the aid of VAR, which was introduced for the first time at the tournament from the quarter-final stage onwards, after it was initially ruled out for offside.
Troost-Ekong scored the second goal which set three-time champions Nigeria up, to clash against Algeria or Ivory Coast for a spot in the July 19 final.
Jamilu Collins made his first appearance in Egypt after shaking off a pre-tournament injury while Villarreal forward Chukwueze came in for Moses Simon in the Nigerian attack.
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr had suggested South Africa were favorites in the build-up following their defeat of the record seven-time champions, a tag Baxter promptly rejected with Bafana Bafana’s lone competitive win coming in qualifying for these finals.
Alex Iwobi skipped past a couple of defenders down the left before pulling back for Chukwueze, who swept into the corner as the ball trickled back his way after a first shot was blocked.
Following the first half, Nigeria appeared stronger after the break, Peter Etebo rattling the crossbar with a superb 25-yard- free-kick destined for the top corner but for the fingertips of Ronwen Williams.
After their game which eliminated the Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, Troost-Ekong scored a lovely goal which brought victory for Nigeria.
BY FIRDAUSI MUSA DANTSOHO
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