Nigeria go from 2-0 up to 1-1 in minutes as VAR calls Victor Osimhen goal back for a penalty in stunning scenes

The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations continued to produce with a stunning VAR intervention in Nigeria v South Africa.

The semi-final saw Nigeria a goal up thanks to a terrible penalty from William Troost-Ekong, leaving South Africa on the brink after their incredible unexpected run to the final.

It then looked like game over in the 85th minute when Napoli star Victor Osimhen tapped into an empty net on the counter-attack, sparking wild celebrations at the Stade de la Paix.

However, Osimhen quickly went from his hands in the air to his hands on his head when it became clear that something was up.

Referee Amin Omar was called to his VAR screen, and it was quickly obvious by replays that to trigger the counter, Alhassan Yusuf had fouled South Africa’s Percy Tau in his own box.

In a remarkable turn of events, Omar waved off the goal and pointed to the spot in an instant, allowing Teboho Mokoena to step up and score the equaliser from the jaws of defeat.

If that was stunning enough, South Africa then had a free kick in the final minute of stoppage time, and the ball fell to Khuliso Mudau who missed a near open–goal.