There was a lot of drama and controversy as the South African national team was held to a draw by Nigeria in the penultimate game of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The game was played at the FNB stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon, but South Africans could not secure back to back wins over their Nigerian rivals who have qualified for the African Cup of Nations after that draw. The Super Eagles started the game with purpose, and this was soon rewarded when a cross from Samuel Kalu trying to pick out Ahmed Musa was put into the net by BuhleMkhanazi. But the lead would only last sixteen minutes as Lebo Mothiba equalized through an unselfish pass from Percy Tau who ran the Nigerian defense weary.
The Super Eagles would feel hard done though as two more goals either side of halftime were cancelled for offside, although the replays suggested otherwise. With that draw Nigeria retain their lead as Group E leaders, and would also be returning to the AFCON finals after a six year hiatus.
And even if they lose the final game against Seychelles (who were beaten 8 – 1 by Libya) Nigeria would still finish in the top two thereby qualifying for the finals. Libya still has a slim chance of qualifying if they can win South Africa in their final game. South Africa holds a two-point lead and would need only a draw to qualify.
