At Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro, South Africa secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The clash with Cape Verde unfolded as a tense battle, with both teams failing to find the net in regulation time, leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Ronwen Williams emerged as the hero for Bafana Bafana, exhibiting goalkeeping prowess by saving four crucial penalties during the dramatic climax. His exceptional performance propelled South Africa to a 2-1 victory in the shootout, setting the stage for a highly anticipated semi-final showdown with Nigeria.
Throughout the 120 minutes of play, scoring opportunities were scarce, but Cape Verde had the best chance when Garry Rodrigues faced Williams in the 56th minute. The South African goalkeeper, however, rose to the occasion, denying Rodrigues and later making a spectacular reflex save to thwart Gilson Benchimol in stoppage time.
As extra time unfolded, Vozinha, Cape Verde’s goalkeeper, displayed heroics by stopping attempts from Mihlali Mayambela and Evidence Makgopa. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the match ultimately hinged on the tension-filled penalty shootout.
Teboho Mokoena and Mothobi Mvala successfully converted their penalties for South Africa. Although Bryan Teixeira found the target for Cape Verde, Ronwen Williams’ brilliance denied Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte, and Patrick Andrade, securing Bafana Bafana’s passage into the semi-finals in a 2-1 shootout triumph.
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