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By Johnny Edward
Defender, Ola Aina, is relieved that his penalty miss in the semi-final of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast didn’t hamper the chances of the Super Eagles qualifying for the final on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
A tensed semi-final game in Bouake between Nigeria and South Africa, appeared settled by a William Troost-Ekong 67th-minute goal from the penalty spot but South Africa earned a spot-kick of their own in the 90th minute, which was converted by Teboho Mokoena.
Mokoena’s leveler sent the game into extra time, which ended goalless.
In the ensuing penalty shootout, Aina blazed his kick over the crossbar. Terem Moffi, Kenneth Omeruo, Ekong and Kelechi Iheanacho all scored for the Eagles, while Stanley Nwabali saved two of South Africa’s kicks and was duly named Man of The Match.
Reacting to his penalty miss, Aina said while jubilating after the win with his teammates during his Instagram Live feed, “These players saved me today. I don’t care.”
Aina has played every game for the Eagles at the AFCON tournament so far.