Bafana Bafana’s forward, Percy Tau, has surprisingly extended his well-wishes to the Super Eagles of Nigeria ahead of the AFCON Final against host nation Ivory Coast

Tau, who won the African Inter-Club Player of the Year, congratulated Nigeria and wish them success in the final despite being knocked out by Nigeria in penalty shootout.

Congratulations to Nigeria and all the best to them in the final. We’ll go again and try for the third place. Hopefully, we will take something home.

Percy Tau

Nigeria defeated South Africa in a jaw dropping contest at the Stade de la Paix. Captain Ekong gave the Super Eagles the lead before a late penalty equalizer by the South African defender Mokoena in the 90th minute to take the game into extra time.

After 120 minutes of play, the match ended 1-1, before the penalty kicks decided their fate. After the match, Tau said; “It’s sad right now. It doesn’t matter how we played, it would have been nice if we won this one and we have the chances.”

The forward, in continuation, also heaped praise on his goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who saved penalties against Cape Verde to send South Africa to the semis.

“He tried his best to save some of the penalties but sometimes it happens that it’s not your day. He saved us the last time and we’re still happy with him. Congratulations to Nigeria,” Tau added.

Nigeria has denied South Africa the opportunity to eclipse to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations twice — in 2004 and 2024.

Nigeria, who last won the continent’s most prestigious trophy in 2013, will play the host nation, Ivory Coast, who last won the trophy in 2015, on Sunday.