• Saturday, 23 November 2024
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saves 4 penalties to help South Africa reach AFCON semi-final

Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saves 4 penalties to help South Africa reach AFCON semi-final

Captain Ronwen Williams saved four penalties to help South Africa reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.

Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte and Patrick Andrade were all denied in the shootout by the outstanding Williams, who also made a spectacular late save to tip Gilson Benchimol's first-time strike against the woodwork and ensure the gruelling quarter-final entered extra time.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made two exceptional saves in quick succession shortly after extra time began to deny Mihlali Mayambela and Teboho Mokoena.

South Africa will now have the chance to avenge their defeat by Nigeria on their last appearance in the Afcon semi-finals, when they were beaten 2-0 by the Super Eagles in 2000.

Williams will undoubtedly be a contender for the Best Goalkeeper award once the tournament is over, and his fingertip save as he sprung into the air to keep out Benchimol's effort by the slightest of margins was a remarkable reflex stop

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