Nigeria and South Africa played out a goalless draw in the first half of their AFCON 2024 match on Wednesday evening.
The first half was a tense affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to convert them. Nigeria had a penalty appeal in the 13th minute, when South Africa’s goalkeeper collided with Nigeria’s captain and defender, William Troost-Ekong, but the referee waved it off.
South Africa responded with a quick counter-attack in the 15th minute, but Sithole’s shot was easily saved by Nigeria’s keeper, Nwabali. South Africa continued to test Nigeria’s defense, and had two more penalty shouts in the 26th minute, for a handball by Calvin Bassey and a push in the box, but both were ignored by the referee.
South Africa’s Evidence Makgopa had another chance in the 27th minute, but his shot was weak and straight at Nwabali for a comfortable save. Percy Tau also had a chance in the 30th minute, after a counter, but his first touch was too heavy and it rolled to Nwabali.
Nigeria had their first shot on target in the 37th minute, after a cut back from Moses Simon found Iwobi, but his shot was straight at the keeper. South Africa came close again in the 39th minute, when a link-up between Percy Tau and Makgopa forced a big save from Nwabali. Nigeria had the last chance of the half in the 44th minute, when a header from a corner by Osimhen went wide.
The second half promises to be an exciting one, as both teams will look to break the deadlock and secure a vital win in the tournament.
