Nigeria will now await the winners of the quarterfinal between Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire in the semifinals of the 2019 AFCON after they knocked out South Africa 2-1 in a hard-fought encounter in Cairo tonight.
It was a thrilling quarterfinal that looked like going into extra-time before William Ekong snatched a late winner for the three-time African champions.
It was the 14th meeting between the two teams and Nigeria have now won seven of these clashes while Bafana Bafana have only been victorious twice and five games ended in draws.
Nigeria went in front after 27 minutes, when Villarreal youngster Samuel Chukwueze persisted and followed up his first shot at goal in a goalmouth scramble.
It was his first goal in his seventh game for Nigeria and it was achieved on a big platform.
The Super Eagles were the more positive side and deserved their lead even though Bafana Bafana enjoyed more of the possession, but it was where it did not hurt the opponents.
Nigeria threatened the goal of their opponents through Man of the Match Chukwueze in the second half even after their opponents gamely chased the contest.
Oghenekaro Etebo saw his well-taken free kick come off the crossbar and the speed of Ahmed Musa on the left flank continued to trouble the defence of Bafana Bafana.
However, it was the South Africans who will draw level thanks to VAR in the 71st minute courtesy of a header by Zungu after it was initially chalked off to have been scored from an offside goal.
However, a minute to full time defender Ekong helped home a corner by Moses Simon with his ankle to send Nigeria through to the last-four.
Super Eagles starting XI vs South Africa: 4-2-3-1- Daniel Akpeyi – Jamilu Collins, William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Chidozie Awaziem – Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo – Alex Iwobi (Leon Balogun 90), Samuel Chukwueze, Ahmed Musa (Moses Simon 81) – Odion Ighalo
