AFCON 2023: SA returns amongst ”big boys” after Williams’ heroics against stubborn Cape Verde

South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced four saves in the shoot-out as his side beat Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties to reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after their last-eight tie on Saturday finished 0-0 at the end of extra time.

Chances were few and far between over 120 minutes at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro, though the best fell to Cape Verde.

Both teams had numerous scoring opportunities, keeping the game adventurous and fans on the edge of their seats for much of this clash of high-aiming underdogs.

The match concluded in a 0-0 draw in normal time, leaving both teams on an equal footing as they pushed for a goal in extra time. The game was eventually settled in the penalty shootout in South Africa’s favor, with the South African goalkeeper impressively saving 4 penalty kicks.

As a goalless draw led to a tensely contested extra time, the game was mostly thrilling and lived up to the expectation of spectacle and close contest set by the ongoing, impressive continental footbaling showpiece.

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana were mere shadows of their composed and clinical round of 16 display as Cape Verde entirely dominated the first half with smart positioning and short passes.

Both teams did have numerous scoring opportunities, keeping the game adventurous and fans on the edge of their seats for much of this clash of high-aiming underdogs.

Cape Verde, not tipped to go beyond the group stages, made it to the quarterfinals on the back of commanding performances in its group and a dramatic, hard fought 1-0 win against Mauritania in the round of 16 earlier this week.

South Africa, meanwhile, also not exactly expected by many to make it this far, advanced to the quarterfinals after stunning favorites Morocco with a clinical performance that resulted in a 2-0 win.

In the end, neither of the two sides was able to find the winner after 120 minutes of a physical and pacy contest. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana/Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks eventually clinched the win they needed in the dramatic penalty shootout to reach the semifinals. They now stand to take on Nigeria’s Super Eagles for a spot in the final.

The last time SA met Nigeria in the AFCON was in 2019 – where the super Eagles ran out 2-1 victors. In the year 2000, South Africa were defeated 2-0 by Nigeria