SOUTH Africa set up a semi-final clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the AFCON 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after a penalty shootout win over Cape Verde in their quarter-final contest in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire tonight.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero for Bafana Bafana as he saved four of the five spot kicks taken by Cape Verde to steer his side to a 2-1 win.
Cape Verde had the better chances in regulation and extra-time but were unable to convert any of them.
Their best opportunity was at the end of regulation time but Williams made a big save from virtually the last kick before extra-time.
The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper continued his heroics during the shootout, guessing right for all of Cape Verde’s five penalties and saving four of them as South Africa converted two of the four they took.
Bafana Bafana are through to the AFCON semi-finals for the first time since 2000 when, incidentally, they lost 2-0 to co-hosts Super Eagles of Nigeria at the National Stadium, Lagos, with Tijani Babangida scoring both goals.
The AFCON 2023 semi-final between the two rivals and former champions will be played in Wednesday in Bouake.
