Nigeria dominated territory early on but struggled to pick holes in South Africa’s well-organised rearguard. South Africa, meanwhile, targeted the space in behind the Nigeria defence, and that clarity of purpose helped them look the more dangerous side.
The first half, though, was goalless, and Nigeria picked it up thereafter, eventually forging in front when captain William Troost-Ekong scored from the penalty spot.
Then, on 85 minutes, they looked to have sealed the game, Victor Osimhen finishing a terrific counter.
But VAR brought play back to the start of the move, finding that Alhassan Yusuf had fouled Percy Tau, and at the clocked ticked over the 90-minute mark, Teboho Mokoena scored from the spot.
Both sides pushed for a winner in extra time but neither managed, and though Ola Aina missed Nigeria’s third penalty, Mokoena, Evidence Makgopa and Mothobi meal missed South Africa’s first, third and fourth to send the Super Eagles into the final.