Nwabali ensured Nigeria advanced after stopping spot-kicks from two South African midfielders during the penalty shootout
Chippa United goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali was Nigeria’s hero in Wednesday’s semi-final Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, after saving two spot kicks.
The game in Bouake finished 1-1 following a remarkable end to normal time which involved the referee going to his video monitor to disallow a Victor Osimhen strike which would have put Nigeria 2-0 up – and instead awarding a penalty to South Africa.
Prior to this, Nigeria captain Troost-Ekong had given his side the lead from the penalty spot after Victor Osimhen was brought down in the box.
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Teboho Mokoena then converted from the spot in the 90th minute to send the game into a goalless period of extra-time.
But the midfielder was one of two South African players to see their spot-kicks saved by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as the Super Eagles triumphed to reach Sunday’s final.
Nigeria after the win, will now play either hosts Ivory Coast or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the final on Sunday.