AFCON 2023: Ronwen Williams heroics as Bafana Bafana secure third place finish

Captain Ronwen Williams proved the hero again as Bafana Bafana secured a third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON after a dramatic 6-5 penalty-shootout win over DR Congo at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Saturday.

In a frantic end-to-end encounter, both sides chose to forgo any defensive duties in search of victory.

Despite DR Congo enjoying the more clear-cut chances the two sides could not be separated at the end of regulation time.

Unlike previous knockout-stage encounters, the match went straight to penalties after the referee blew his final whistle.

Midfielder Teboho Mokoena hit the upright with the first penalty attempt of the shootout to put Bafana on the back foot.

With DR Congo on the brink of victory, needing to just convert their fifth penalty to win the match, Williams produced a moment of brilliance to deny Chancel Mbemba.

In sudden death, defender Siyanda Xulu converted his penalty attempt before Williams again pulled off a save to deny Meschak Elia.

Belgian tactician Hugo Broos has now led Bafana Bafana to their highest finish at an AFCON tournament since 2000.

For Williams, who will surely win the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper at the tournament, the 32-year-old has made history with his penalty-saving capabilities.