Nigeria booked a semi-final place at the Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 victory over South Africa on Thursday.
Samuel Chukwueze opened the scoring for the Super Eagles, before Bongani Zungu equalized. William Troost-Ekong got the winner in the 89th minute to send his side to the last four.
Neither goalkeeper was tested early on as both sides found space and opportunities limited in front of goal.
Nigeria had the first two chances as Alex Iwobi had a volley saved by Ronwen Williams, before Ahmed Musa’s powerful drive crashed into the woodwork.
South Africa came close in the 15th minute when Pacy Tau had a clear cut chance but sent the ball, a few inches from the goal mouth.
The Super Eagles made their dominance count in the 27th minute when Chukwueze busted through the defence to slot past Ronwen Williams after the ball deflected off Sifiso Hlanti and fell kindly into the winger’s path.
Alex Iwobi then had a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 just before half-time when he was played through one-on-one with Williams, but he dragged his shot wide.
The start of the second half saw Nigeria continue to dictate matters and Jamilu Collins should have scored their third in the 52nd minute when he hit side net from 14 yards out under no pressure and with an empty net at his mercy.
Lebogang had the first real chance of the second stanza for the Bafana, having his shot saved on the line, following Kamahelo Mokotjo’s cross from out on the left.
South Africa showed some late fight when they grabbed a goal, but it was too late to mount a fight-back. Bongani Zungu headed into the far corner from a free-kick by Percy Tau, with the VAR team approving the strike.
That set up an exciting final 20 minutes as the Super Eagles managed to grab a winner with two minutes to the end of the match. Second half substitute, Moses Simon, delivered the corner with Williams missing his punch as William Troost-Ekong applied the finishing touch at the back post.
The Line ups:
Nigeria: Akpeyi, Awaziem, Ekong, Omeruo, Collins, Ndidi, Etebo, Musa, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Ighalo.
South Africa: Williams, Mkhize, Hlanti, Mkhwanazi, Hlatshwayo, Furman, Mokotjo, Zungu, Lorch, Tau, Mothiba.
