Ivory Coast to face Nigeria in AFCON 2023 final
Nigeria defeated South Africa while Ivory Coast eliminated DR Congo in the semi-finals of the AFCON 2023 to seal the two places for the final of the tournament.
The Super Eagles qualified in a dramatic 4-2 win on penalties against ten-man South Africa, after a 1-1 draw.
Both goals during the match at the Stade de la Paix, were scored from the spot. Nigeria had the chance to settle the game within 90 minutes but Victor Osimhen saw his goal disallowed, following an action in the area, which the referee reviewed and pointed to the spot for a Bafana Bafana penalty.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, imposed himself when the match went to penalty shootout, stopping two shots, as Iheanacho propelled coach Jose Peseiro’s side to the final with the last kick.
The hosts, Ivory Coast, did not need extra time to sail to the final. The Elephants booted DR Congo out through Sebastien Haller in an equally intense encounter in front of a vibrant home crowd.
Ivory Coast’s 1-0 victory completed the pair for the final which comes up on Sunday, February 11.
A third-place clash is equally scheduled between South Africa and DR Congo on Saturday.
