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Nigeria became the second team (after Senegal) to reach 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal after defeating South Africa 2-1 at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday night. Samuel Chukwueze opened the deadlock after 27 minutes. VAR was used to confirm South Africa’s equalizer scored by Bongani Zungu after 74 minutes, but William Troost Ekong scored one minute from time to send the Super Eagles for the semifinal for the first time since they were crowned champions in 2013. South Africa will leave Egypt with heads high after reaching the last eight despite playing in the group of death, and then eliminating hosts and favorites Egypt from the Round of 16. Wilfried N’didi gave Bafana Bafana an idea of what to expect when he had the first shot after 6 minutes. And despite seeing South Africa with more possession, Nigeria had the lion share of chances. Chukwueze broke the deadlock after 27 minutes after receiving the ball from Alex Iwobi inside the vital area. His initial s...

Tunisia goalkeeper Mouez Hassen has apologised to his coach, teammates and Carthage Eagles fans for his actions during Monday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Round 16 clash with Ghana. Though Hassen had a decent game, including a late save that stopped Ghana winning the match, he reacted badly when he was denied the chance to be in goal for the ensuing penalty shootout. Instead, Coach Alain Giresse brought in Ben Mustapha for the shootout, a decision which Hassen openly protested as he reluctantly left the pitch. However, the France-based goalkeeper having reviewed his action has tendered an apology blaming his behaviour on the passion he has for the national team. “I would like to come back to yesterday’s [Monday] incident and would start by apologising to my coach, to my teammates and to the supporters of our national team,” Hassen said in a statement released on Tuesday. “The pressure of the game and my enthusiasm to play for my country were the reasons behind my regre...