Ronwen Williams had the game of his life as South Africa booked their place in a first AFCON semi-final since 2000 after beating Cape Verde on penalites.
Ronwen Williams kept a fourth clean sheet at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and would save four penalties in the shootout as Bafana Bafana booked themselves a semi-final date against Nigeria.
The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper kept his side in the game throughout the game as Cape Verde dominated proceedings. The Islanders consistently got into dangerous positions but couldn’t conjure up the quality to beat Williams.
They managed 25 shots throughout the game, with only two on target throughout the 120 minutes of football on Saturday evening. The Islanders had far more energy than a lethargic Bafana. Their slick interplay getting them into plenty of dangerous positions as they struggled to hit the target.
That was until the Bafana skipper pulled off arguably the save of the tournament, tipping Gilson Tavares’ venomous shot onto the upright as time ticked down toward the end of the 90.
The cobwebs appeared to be shaken free in extra time as Bafana finally got a foothold in the game, with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha forced to deny Mihlali Mayamela before saving an Evidence Makgopa header just seconds later.
The game would finish goalless after 120 minutes of football as the sides prepared for the shootout. Williams would save four penalties as Mothobi Mvala and Teboho Mokena converted their spot kicks.
Up next? Nigeria on Wednesday evening at 19:00.
