- Victor Osimhen thought he had scored but for VAR to intervene and rule goal out
- South Africa instead won and scored a penalty to take the game into extra time
- A lap of honour for a win, apologising when you lose… When did it come to this? Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
The Africa Cup of Nations has once again been hailed ‘the best tournament in the world’ after more chaotic scenes took place towards the end of normal time in the semi-final clash between Nigeria and South Africa.
The tie went to extra time but seemed to be all-but-done in the 90th minute of normal time when Nigeria thought they had scored a second goal to go 2-0 up, but VAR intervened.
Victor Osimhen poked in from close range and wheeled away in celebration, having thought he had added to William Troost-Ekong’s penalty earlier on in the game to put a sizeable gap between the two sides.
VAR, however, adjudged that Joe Aribo had fouled Teboho Mokoena in the penalty box at the other end of the pitch. Mokoena stepped up himself to score the kick and take the game to extra time.
It was the latest twist in what has been a memorable tournament, which will conclude on Sunday.
‘AFCON. THE BEST TOURNAMENT IN THE WORLD,’ said one user on X, formerly Twitter.
‘AFCON is unbelievable,’ another said.
Meanwhile, a third added: ‘This AFCON continues to be a totally crazy affair. Neutrals have had a treat this year!’
The competition has seen a number of memorable moments so far, from Andre Onana missing a Cameroon game due to missing his flight to Ivory Coast sacking their manager when still in the competition.
Grant Kekana was sent off for South Africa deep into extra time, with the game eventually going to penalties.
South Africa’s journey came to an end in the shoot-out, as they missed two kicks before Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up to score the winning penalty.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
