Super Eagles soared to the semi finals of the 2019 AFCON after beating South Africa 2-1 in the quarter finals of the ongoing tournament in Egypt. Two strikes in either halves by Samuel Chukwueze and Williams Troost Ekong gave Nigeria the edge over Bafana Bafana.
Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr made two changes to the to the starting XI, with Nigerian young talented forward Samuel Chukwueze returning to the starting lineup for the second time in the competition after replacing Moses Simon who started in the 3-2 victory over Cameroon in the second round while Jamilu Collins starts in defense ahead of Ola Aina while their opponents manager Stuart Baxter stick with the same lineup that upset the host nation, Egypt in the round of 16
South Africa levelled up from their first shot on target in the 71st minute from Bongani Zungu header from the left side of the six yard box to the top right corner following a set piece situation. Zungu sent a wonderful header into the net following a set-piece but immediately there was a VAR check after linesman first ruled the goal as offside. Replays show the ball came off the back of Nigeria’s Ighalo before Zungu planted his header. There was a delay of two to three minutes before South Africans could celebrate their goal.
Super Eagles got the lead few minutes before the end of regular time. William Troost-Ekong hit a right footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Moses Simon with a cross following a corner.
Nigeria ‘s Semi-final opponent will be either Algeria or Ivory Coast.