AFCON: South Africa Beats Cape Verde in Penalties Shoot, Plays Nigeria in Semi Finals

Photo: GETTY IMAGES

Our Editor

South Africa are into the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after a penalty shootout win over Cape Verde.

After the two sides failed to score in 120 minutes, the shootout proved an equally low-scoring affair as only one of the first six was converted but with Bafana Bafana ‘keeper Ronwen Williams saving four spot-kicks, his side edged through 2-1.

Ronwen Williams was the hero as South Africa edged out Cape Verde 2-1 in a tense penalty shootout to reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. He was declared Man of The Match.

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper saved four spot-kicks in a dramatic climax in Yamoussoukro as his nation booked a last-four date with Nigeria.

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

Williams came to the rescue to keep out Garry Rodrigues in the 56th minute, and produced a fantastic reflex save to deny Gilson Benchimol in stoppage time.

Vozinha produced heroics at the other end early in extra time, thwarting both Mihlali Mayambela and Evidence Makgopa as the match came down to penalties.

Teboho Mokoena and Mothobi Mvala were successful for South Africa and although Bryan Teixeira was on target for Cape Verde, Williams denied Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte and Patrick Andrade to send Bafana Bafana into the last four.

TALKING POINT – CAPE VERDE PAY THE PENALTY

A penalty shootout stood between Cape Verde and a first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

However, they were unable to capitalise with four of their players unsuccessful from the spot.

Aided by Williams’ heroics, South Africa held their nerve to progress to the last four for the first time since 2000.

(EUROSPORT)