Chaos at AFCON after Victor Osimhen scores late second for Nigeria against South Africa in their semi-final… but VAR rules goal out and awards a PENALTY at the other end instead to force extra-time!
- Victor Osimhen thought he had scored, but VAR intervened and ruled out a goal
- South Africa instead scored a penalty which was given to send the match into extra time
- A lap of honor for a victory, apologizing when you lose… When did it come to this? Listen to the It all starts podcast
The Africa Cup of Nations has once again been declared ‘the best tournament in the world’ after more chaotic scenes unfolded towards the end of normal time in the semi-final between Nigeria and South Africa.
The tie went to extra time but seemed all but over in the 90th minute of normal time when Nigeria thought they had scored a second goal to make it 2–0 but VAR intervened.
Victor Osimhen came in from close range and drove away in celebration, after thinking he had increased William Troost-Ekong’s penalty earlier in the match to create a gap between the two sides.
However, VAR ruled that Joe Aribo had fouled Teboho Mokoena in the penalty area at the other end of the field. Mokoena himself stepped up to score the kick and take the match to extra time.
It was the latest twist in a momentous tournament, which concludes on Sunday.
There was another memorable moment in the African Cup of Nations during Nigeria’s match against South Africa
Victor Osimhen thought he had scored his side’s second goal, but VAR awarded a penalty at the other end instead
‘AFCON. THE BEST TOURNAMENT IN THE WORLD,” said a user on X, formerly Twitter.
“AFCON is incredible,” said another, while a third added: “This AFCON continues to be a totally crazy affair. Neutrals had a treat this year!’
The competition has had some memorable moments so far, with Andre Onana missing a match against Cameroon as he missed his flight to Ivory Coast and sacking their manager while he was still in the competition.
Nigeria recovered from the setback to win the match on penalties, with Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the winning penalty
Grant Kekana was sent off to South Africa deep into extra time, with the match 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.