Ronwen Williams made 4 saves as South Africa beat Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties to succeed in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals on Saturday.
The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper additionally made a surprising cease on the finish of regular time because the last-eight conflict in Yamoussoukro ended goalless.
It was his fourth successive clear sheet within the match.
We’re going to the Semi-finals !!!!!!! #AfCON2023 #BafanaPride#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/3qbbf8Lb0R
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) February 3, 2024
Cape Verde created essentially the most possibilities all through the sport however have been unable to profit from their alternatives and South Africa, the 1996 champions, will now play Nigeria for a spot within the last.
The primary half was a cagey affair with neither goalkeeper critically examined.
Kevin Pina had a chance for Cape Verde however headed effectively large on the again submit earlier than South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena lashed a long-range shot straight at Vozinha.
An opportunity opened up for Themba Zwane after South Africa snatched possession and broke ahead however he scuffed his shot large.
Pina once more missed the goal on the different finish after skipping round two challenges and Ryan Mendes additionally had an effort blocked after weaving by the realm.
Cape Verde had the primary likelihood of the second half when Joao Paulo volleyed large however South Africa had a chance when Khuliso Mudau shot at Vozinha.
Garry Rodrigues might have given Cape Verde the lead when he obtained behind the defence simply earlier than the hour however he didn’t get any energy on his try to curve a shot round Williams.
We’ve run out of adjectives to explain this man! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/ei4Kt5kGOj
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 3, 2024
Cape Verde stepped up the strain and Rodrigues had an effort deflected for a nook and a Rocha shot was blocked earlier than Jovane Cobral fired over.
Gilson Benchimol virtually received it for Cape Verde within the second minute of stoppage time after racing onto a Logan Costa ball however Williams did brilliantly to palm his highly effective effort onto the bar.
Further time started with South Africa within the ascendancy however Vozinha got here to Cape Verde’s rescue with two very good saves in fast succession from substitute Mihlali Mayambela and Mokoena.
Benchimol spurned one other likelihood however neither facet seemed threatening within the second extra interval and penalties turned inevitable.
South Africa seized the early initiative within the shoot-out as Williams saved the primary two spot-kicks from former Manchester United ahead Bebe and Willy Semedo.
Zakhele Lepasa’s failure to hit the goal gave Cape Verde hope however Williams then stored out Laros Duarte’s effort.
Vozinha saved from Aubrey Modiba in response and Bryan Teixeira lastly registered for Cape Verde however Mothobi Mvala put South Africa on the brink and Williams accomplished the job by saving from Patrick Andrade.
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