In a nail-biting encounter at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Ivory Coast, the Super Eagles of Nigeria soared to victory over Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a dramatic penalty shootout, clinching a hard-fought spot in the African Cup of Nations finals.
The decisive moment came when African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, was brought down in the box by Mothobi Mvala, leading to a crucial penalty for Nigeria.
Captain William Troost-Ekong calmly converted the penalty in the 67th minute, sending the ball into the middle of the net and outsmarting South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Although Nigeria thought they had doubled their lead with Osimhen's precise strike, VAR intervened, ruling out the goal due to a foul in the build-up play and awarding a penalty to South Africa.
Bafana Bafana capitalized on the opportunity, leveling the score 1-1 from the spot with a well-placed penalty by Teboho Mokoena.
In a tense extra time period, both teams had their chances, with South Africa even reduced to ten men after a crucial tackle led to a red card.
The match ultimately came down to penalties, where Nigeria emerged victorious with a 4-2 scoreline, thanks in part to goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili's heroics with two crucial penalty saves.
The Super Eagles will now face the winner of the second semifinal game between Ivory Coast and DR Congo.