SA in semis after win over Cape Verde on penalties

Captain Ronwen Williams saved four penalties to help South Africa reach the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde on Saturday.

Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte and Patrick Andrade were all denied in the shootout by the outstanding Williams, who also made a spectacular late save to tip Gilson Benchimol’s first-time strike against the woodwork and ensure the gruelling quarter-final entered extra time.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made two exceptional saves in quick succession shortly after extra time began to deny Mihlali Mayambela and Teboho Mokoena.

South Africa will now have the chance to avenge their defeat by Nigeria on their last appearance in the Afcon semi-finals, when they were beaten 2-0 by the Super Eagles in 2000.

A moment which will perhaps be remembered as the save of the tournament was as close as either team came in normal time during a contest largely characterised by poor finishing.

Williams will undoubtedly be a contender for the Best Goalkeeper award once the tournament is over, and his fingertip save as he sprung into the air to keep out Benchimol’s effort by the slightest of margins was a remarkable reflex stop.

Ronwen Williams’ penalty heroics came after he had made a superb save during second-half added time of normal time

There was even better to come from the 32-year-old when he stopped Cape Verde’s first three penalties by diving to his right and thwarted Andrade by leaping in the opposite direction, having appeared to consult notes on a water bottle between each kick.