Nigeria boss Jose Peseiro has highlighted one thing his side did better than Bafana Bafana in their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.
After the game ended 1-1 following extra-time, the Super Eagles beat South Africa 4-2 on penalties with the help of Chippa United shot-stopper Stanley Nwabali, who saved two spot-kicks in the shootout to ensure his side booked their place in the final against Ivory Coast on Sunday.
Read: Opinion: Bust-ups between players should be encouraged
Having previously lauded Hugo Broos' South Africa for its good organisation, Peseiro revealed at a post-match press conference that beating them proved to not be an easy task.
"Yesterday, I said here and I don't know if it's true or not true but the best organisation belong to this team [South Africa], in my opinion. Why? Because they play together many times. They play for Sundowns so for that they create more problems for us than the other teams", the Portuguese manager said after his team's latest triumph over Bafana, per OwnGoal Nigeria.
With a valiant defensive display from Bafana that saw the Super Eagles post their lowest expected goals (xG) total of 0.65 at the competition thus far, the 63-year-old also admitted that their opponents were worthy of a spot in the final, but added that their prowess from the penalty spot on the night ultimately gave them the edge over South Africa.
"They defended well, they push, they pressured, they manage the ball well with quality," Peseiro added.
"They have players with good quality. This team [South Africa], like I expected, it was difficult to beat them.
"For that I say congratulations to my team and to them as well.
"It's true this team played nine players from Sundowns but I have to give my congratulations to the coach and I told him on the pitch.
"Because today they deserve to go through and Nigeria deserve also. But today, in penalties, our team was stronger."
Read: AFCON boss explains 'miracles' on way to the semi-finals
The Super Eagles will now go on to make their eighth appearance at an AFCON final on Sunday, with only Egypt and Ghana having played in more (nine times each).
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH: