AFCON 2023: South Africa set up Nigeria clash after edging Cape Verde on penalties

South Africa secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals after a penalty shootout victory over Cape Verde.

The match ended goalless after 120 minutes of play, leading to a tense shootout that saw Bafana Bafana emerge victorious with a 2-1 win on penalties.

Ronwen Williams was the hero for South Africa, making four crucial saves during the shootout to deny Cape Verde’s Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte, and Patrick Andrade.

Williams’ stellar performance helped South Africa secure their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Nigeria.

 

The shootout drama unfolded after a tightly contested game with few clear-cut chances.

Cape Verde’s Benchimol came closest to breaking the deadlock in stoppage time, but Williams made a crucial save to deny him a goal.

In extra time, Vozinha made important saves to keep South Africa at bay, setting the stage for the dramatic shootout.

While South Africa’s Zakhele Lepasa and Aubrey Modiba missed their penalties, Mothobi Mvala kept his composure to convert his spot-kick.

Patrick Andrade had to score to keep Cape Verde in the shootout, but Williams’ heroics denied him, securing South Africa’s place in the semi-finals.

The victory marks South Africa’s first appearance in the AFCON semi-finals since 2000.