Nigeria edge South Africa on penalties to reach AFCON final

South Africa's Evidence Makgopa, centre, is challenged by Nigeria's William Troost-Ekong, right, during the African Cup of Nations semi-final. Pic: Themba Hadebe

Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved two penalties in the shootout to guide his side to a 4-2 victory over South Africa following a 1-1 draw on Wednesday and earn a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Nigeria had lost five of their previous six semi-finals at the continental finals but survived some nervous moments to book a place in Sunday's decider against either hosts Ivory Coast or the Democratic Republic of Congo, who meet later on Wednesday.