BREAKING: THE SPIRIT OF THE LION IS BACK, NIGERIA 2-1SOUTH AFRICA
Super Eagles smooth sailed 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.
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Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr made two changes to the made two changes 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.
Nigeria started has the better side very early into the game by pressurising the South Africans, the pressure eventually paid off in the 27 minute after a wonderful play from Ahmed Musa and Alex Iwobi on the left wing. The Arsenal’s forward cross was met with a first attempt from Samuel Chukwueze but was blocked from the centre of the box before his second strike hits the back of the net to give Nigeria the lead.
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Rohr’s men keep up with the pace even after going one goal up and came close to adding the second goal in the 36th minute but Chukwueze put his attempt way over the bar. The Villarreal man continue to torment the Bafana Bafana but he failed to connect with his teammates in the 18 yards with his attempt blocked.
The three time champions finish the first half as the best team with South Africa relying on counterattack which the Super Eagles midfield and defence were able to contain.
Nigeria started the second 45 minutes in the same vein they ended the first. They got the first shot on target from Oghenekaro Etebo’s stunning freekick which was saved by Ronwen Williams.
Chukwueze continues his wonderful play down the left wing in the 57th minute after beating the defender but his resulting cross into the box was not met by Ighalo. South Africa got their shot in the second half but it was off target.
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 sends a wonderful header into the net following a set-piece but immediately there is 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 can celebrate their goal.
Super Eagles got the lead back few minutes William Troost-Ekong right footed shot from very close range to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Moses Simon with a cross following a corner.
Nigeria will face either Algeria or Ivory Coast in the Semi finals.
Lineup
Nigeria: Daniel Akpeyi, Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, Oghenekaro Etebo, Wilfred Ndidi Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, Ahmed Musa, Odion Ighalo.
South Africa: Ronwen Williams, Thamsanqa Mkhize, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Sifiso Hlanti, Bongani Zungu, Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Percy Tau, Lebo Mothiba, Thembinkosi Lorch (Forward).
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