Troost-Ekong lifts Nigeria previous South Africa in quarter-finals x

Troost-Ekong lifts Nigeria previous South Africa in quarter-finals x

William Troost-Ekong's late winner despatched Nigeria via to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday after a demanding 2-1 victory over South Africa in Cairo.

Samuel Chukwueze fired the Super Eagles beforehand in the first half in front of a healthy, mostly pro-Nigerian crowd at the 75,000-capacity Cairo International Stadium.

But Bongani Zungu's looping header delivered South Africa level on 70 minutes, the aim awarded with the useful resource of VAR -- added for the first time at the event from the quarter-final stage onwards -- after it was once firstly dominated out for offside.

Centre-back Troost-Ekong then became home at a nook a minute from time to set three-time champions Nigeria up with a conflict towards Algeria or Ivory Coast for a spot in the July 19 final.

"We were lucky in the give up to rating this second goal because in the second half South Africa played plenty better," stated Nigeria instruct Gernot Rohr.

"We're happy, we have to get better well due to the fact the next game, both Algeria or Ivory Coast will be very difficult also."

South Africa boss Stuart Baxter admitted the nature of the defeat was once challenging to digest.

"It's challenging when you've got misplaced a game in the death minutes, it is difficult to find positives. I'm certain in one week's time I will find some positives, but at this second I'm finding it very difficult," he said.

Left-back Jamilu Collins made his first look in Egypt after shaking off a pre-tournament harm while Villarreal ahead Chukwueze got here in for Moses Simon in the Nigerian attack.

Baxter caught with the equal aspect that taken aback hosts Egypt in the closing round, as match-winner Thembinkosi Lorch retained his place regardless of Themba Zwane's return from suspension.

- VAR makes its mark - 

Rohr had advised South Africa were favourites in the build-up following their defeat of the report seven-time champions, a tag Baxter promptly rejected with Bafana Bafana's lone aggressive win over Nigeria coming in qualifying for these finals.

Odion Ighalo's goals have been the driving pressure in the back of Nigeria's run right here however it was once rising younger ahead Chukwueze, coming off a stable debut season in Spain's top flight, who struck simply before the half-hour to end the impasse.

Alex Iwobi skipped previous a couple of defenders down the left earlier than pulling again for Chukwueze, who swept into the corner as the ball trickled back his way after a first shot used to be blocked.

Following a stodgy first 1/2 Nigeria regarded the a ways sharper after the break, Peter Etebo rattling the crossbar with a extraordinary 25-yard free-kick destined for the top nook however for the fingertips of Ronwen Williams.

A quantity of promising attacks fizzled out for Nigeria and their lack of precision got here back to hang-out them when Zungu hauled South Africa level, nodding returned across goal after a Percy Tau set-piece used to be proven upon a video assessment to have been flicked on by way of Ighalo.

But after their attractive removal of Mohamed Salah's Egypt there was to be no follow-up act from South Africa as Williams flapped at an inswinging nook and Troost-Ekong pressured over the line with his knee to clinch victory for Nigeria.