NIGERIA’S semi-final clash against South Africa was turned on its head by VAR in the dying minutes of the match.
Victor Osimhen thought he had doubled Nigeria’s 1-0 lead in the last five minutes – but play was brought back.
VAR reviewed the passage of play and after a lengthy delay decided there had been a foul on a South African player in Nigeria’s box before the Super Eagles broke free.
Referee Amin Omar eventually blew for a penalty which was converted by Teboho Mokoena in stoppage time.
That levelled the score and South Africa even had a chance to win it late on but Khuliso Mudau blazed over from a rebound which was easier to score.
The match went to extra-time but Nigeria were not to be denied a place in the final, as they won the shoot-out 4-2.
They will now face hosts Ivory Coast in Sunday night’s final after they beat DR Congo 1-0, thanks to Sebastien Haller’s second half goal.
Osimhen had poked home from close range from a low cross for Nigeria to spark furious protests from South Africa.
VAR then reviewed an incident involving South Africa star Percy Tau, who just pipped opponent Alhassan Yusuf to the ball before being tripped just inside the box.
The ref was left with no option but to chalk off Osimhen’s goal before pointing to the spot in a dramatic sequence of events.
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South Africa were surprise participants in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final having not reached the last four of the competition since 2000.
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They had goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to thank for progressing from the quarter-final as he saved an astonishing four penalties in the shoot-out win over Cape Verde.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
