Super Eagles Qualify For AFCON After 1-1 Draw With South Africa

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The clash of the titans in Johannesburg between Nigeria and South Africa lived up to expectation as both sides found the back of the net.

The game ended in a 1-1 tie at full-time in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Group E, qualifier played at the First National Bank Stadium or simply FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Super Eagles took an early lead when a solo run by Samuel Kalu saw his shot deflected by South African defender Buhle Mkhwanazi into his own net just 10 minutes inside play, but this was quickly reversed by team mate Lebo Mothiba who finished off a pass from Percy Tau in the 26th minute for a one-all draw.

No goals were scored in the second half, notwithstanding Bafana Bafana’s persistent probing of Nigeria’s goal area.

Nigeria now has 10 points from five games to top group E, with South Africa in second position with nine points, Libya seven, Seychelles none, with one more round of matches to go.

The South Africans will now go to Tunisia to face Libya in a match that it must at least avoid defeat in order to get a spot on the Nations Cup finals coming up in Cameroon later in June/July of next year.

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Libya earlier defeated Seychelles 8-1 in the other match in the pool on Saturday.

In 13 previous meetings with South African, Nigeria have won seven, drawn four and lost twice.

From all permutations, Nigeria’s place in the AFCON games for next year is secured even if Seychelles beat Nigeria. Either South Africa or Libya can join Nigeria as qualifiers from the group.

Eagles celebrate qualification

 

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