Nigeria grab late winner against South Africa to reach semi-finals

ByReuters

Published 10/07/2019 at 21:01 GMT

CAIRO, July 10 (Reuters) - Nigeria sneaked into the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals when William Troost Ekong scored with one minute remaining to give them a 2-1 win over a gallant South Africa as the tournament served up more drama on Wednesday.

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Troost Ekong turned the ball in with his knee from a corner just as Nigeria seemed to be in danger of throwing away a game they dominated for more than an hour.

Samuel Chukwueze, recalled to the side after missing the previous round, put the Super Eagles in front when he scored at the second attempt in the 27th minute.

Nigeria stayed in control, missed chances and paid the price when Bongani Zungu headed an equaliser in the 71st minute with South Africa's first shot on target. The goal was initially ruled offside but then awarded after a VAR check -- the first major intervention by technology since it was introduced for the quarter-finals. (Writing by Brian Homewood Editing by Christian Radnedge)

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