In a riveting semifinal clash at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Super Eagles head coach, Peseiro, praised the resilience of South Africa’s national football team despite Nigeria’s triumph on penalties. The intense match saw Nigeria clinch a spot in their eighth AFCON final, defeating South Africa in a dramatic encounter that extended into extra time and penalty shootouts.
Despite Bafana Bafana’s dominance in the first half, Nigeria turned the tide in the second half with a William Troost-Ekong penalty. The match took another turn when South Africa secured their penalty, leveling the score and forcing extra time. Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, emerged as the hero, saving two crucial penalties and guiding Nigeria to the title-deciding match.
Peseiro expressed admiration for South Africa’s organization and their Belgian coach, Hugo Broos, acknowledging the challenges they posed. Looking ahead to the final against Cote d’Ivoire, Peseiro affirmed his team’s deserving place in the championship decider. Nigeria will face Cote d’Ivoire in the final on Sunday, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated clash after the hosts secured a 1-0 victory over DR Congo in the other semifinal.
