Bafana knocked out of the Afcon by Nigeria 

Bafana Bafana have been knocked out of the Afcon in the semi-final stage via a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat by Nigeria. The match ended 1-1 after extra-time with Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena scoring for South Africa.

Nigeria were the first to draw blood following a penalty on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen inside the box. Captain William Troost-Ekong converted to make it 1-0 in the 67th minute.

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The Super Eagles thought they had found a second of the match through Osimhen. But the goal was disallowed through a VAR call. The same call resulted in a penalty call in favour of Bafana Bafana after it was discovered that Percy Tau was fouled in the box.

1996 CHAMPIONS BAFANA BAFANA KNOCKED OUT OF AFCON DESPITE BRAVE FIGHT 

Teboho Mokoena calmly slotted home to make it 1-1. South Africa could have won with seconds remaining but defender Khuliso Mudau failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity.

The match went to extra-time but the score remained 1-1 which resulted in a penalty shootout. But before the penalty shootout, Bafana were reduced to 10-men after Grant Kekana was given a red card for a foul on Ademola Lookman.

“It’s a big disappointment for everyone,” Coach Hugo Broos told the media. 

“We feel that we played a very good game not only today but we played a very good AFCON. 

“I’m very, very proud of it but I’m proud of my players, the disappointment is this but the proudness is that. What they did, what they performed, not only today I think you have to be proud as a coach,” added the Belgian. 

“So, yes it’s a defeat and you see you played a very bad game with Cape Verde. You win with penalties and today you played a very good game against Nigeria and you lose with penalties.”