Nigeria, Ivory Coast Book AFCON Final Spots

Nigeria defeated South Africa on penalties in the first semi-final following a 1-1 draw after extra time while hosts Ivory Coast saw off DR Congo 1-0 in the second semi-final.

At the Stade de la Paix in Bouake, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili was the hero for Nigeria after he saved two penalties in the shootout.

The West Africans had taken the lead from the spot in regulation time through captain William Troost-Ekong in the 67th minute and thought they had doubled the lead through Victor Osimhen five minutes from time, only for VAR to call play back, cancel the goal and award South Africa a penalty for a foul on Percy Tau.

Teboho Mokoena converted to send the game to extra time but the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was one of the fall guys in the shootout as Nwabili saved his kick.

In the second semi-final at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, Sebastien Haller scored the only goal for Ivory Coast to book their place in Sunday's final.

The Borussia Dortmund striker's mishit shot from Max Gradel's cross in the 65th minute was enough for Emerse Fae's men.

Nigeria beat Ivory Coast 1-0 in the group stages.

South Africa and DR Congo will contest the third place play-off spot on Saturday.