No second final for Hugo Broos at the Africa Cup: South Africa dies after penalties in a thrilling semi-final against Nigeria

Nigeria were clearly not satisfied with their lackluster first half and so they came out of the dressing room with a knife between their teeth. The proverbial home team – the Africa Cup is played in Ivory Coast – immediately threatened with a header from Victor Osimhen, who saw the ball go high. South Africa and Broos were warned about this.

The South Africans suffered under the pressure from Nigeria and just after the hour mark, Osimhen appeared on the edge of the penalty area with the ball at his feet. The Napoli striker spun free between four men and went down after contact with Mvala. The ref did not hesitate and awarded the Nigerians a penalty that was converted by Troost-Ekong.

From hell to heaven

Underdog South Africa was suddenly faced with a very difficult task, one that suddenly seemed impossible in minute 85. The inevitable Osimhen completed an excellent counter and scored the 2-0… but that was outside the VAR. The ref was called to the screen, disallowed the goal and actually pointed to the spot on the other side. Antwerp midfielder Yusuf had, just before Nigeria’s counter, kicked his opponent down in the penalty area and was shocked. Mokoena got behind the ball and kicked the equalizer against the ropes. Deep into extra time, South Africa even had the perfect opportunity to go over it, but the ball wouldn’t go in.

Osimhen celebrates, but his goal is disallowed. — © AFP

Extensions in Ivory Coast!

The first chance of the extensions came from the foot of Atalanta winger Lookman. Charles De Ketelaere’s teammate forced goalkeeper Williams into a save. Nigeria clearly did not want to let it depend on penalties and regained control of the game. Hugo Broos instructed his men to take the rhythm out of the match, forcing Osimhen to try from a distance. But Williams failed again.

Also in the second extra time, Osimhen’s head visor turned out to be incorrectly adjusted, just like in regular playing time. The ex-Charleroi striker headed high over and had to be taken aside not much later. His replacement was Terrem Moffi, the OGC Nice striker with a past at KV Kortrijk, who was almost decisive with his first touches of the ball. Face to face with goalkeeper Williams, Moffi was brought down on the edge of the box, after which the Egyptian ref unrelentingly showed the red card to South Africa defender Kekana. Broos and co escaped unscathed because the VAR ruled that the mistake had happened outside the large rectangle. So no penalty, just a free kick that came to nothing. Through the eye of the needle, that’s what we call it.

Moffi comes to replace Osimhen. — © REUTERS

Penalties must decide

The signs were up immediately after 120 minutes of football and so penalties had to decide who could go to the final. South Africa goalkeeper Williams distinguished himself in the quarter-finals by taking no fewer than four penalties against Cape Verde. Did he do that trick again?

Moffi was the first to get behind the ball and didn’t fail. The Nigerian striker kicks the ball straight straight. South Africa, on the other hand, failed to convert their first penalty. Goalkeeper Nwabili dives to the right corner and saves the penalty from Mokoena, who managed to convert his penalty earlier in the match. Omeruo scored from the spot to make it 2-0, after which the South Africans connected through Mayambela (2-1).

Aina is the next Nigerian to get behind the ball, but chases the ball high over Williams’ cage. However, South Africa failed to take advantage. Nwabili takes Makgopa’s penalty. Broos scratched his head, especially when Troost Ekong scored his second penalty goal of the evening. Mvala managed to make it 3-2, but to no avail Bafana Bafana. Iheanacho did not miss and gave Nigeria a spot in the final at the expense of Hugo Broos and South Africa.

© AP

Saltless first period, somewhat colored by old acquaintances

The first half between Nigeria and Broos’ South Africa did not amount to much. The Nigerians had the most ball possession in the opening phase, but were unable to create any clear-cut opportunities. The match was a close one, partly thanks to a compact South Africa, which did not give an inch.

We had to wait for some old acquaintances from our Jupiler Pro League to provide some threat. Moses Simon (ex-Ghent) delivered a first dangerous cross after twelve minutes, but his cross ended up on the fists of the South African goalkeeper Williams, who was only half there. Then it was the turn of Percy Tau (ex-Club Brugge). The attacker led his country’s first full-fledged attack, but, after a good pass, saw his teammate Sithole’s shot end too centrally to worry the Nigeria goalkeeper. Nigerian top striker Osimhen was not put into position in the first period.

Hugo Broos. — © AFP

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