South Africa have advanced into the final four of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after they defeated Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties – following a 0-0 draw after extra time – at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Saturday night.
Both teams had chances to find the back of the net throughout an evenly-contested 120 minutes, but goalkeepers Ronwen Williams and Vozinha each made some critical saves to keep the score line blank and send the game to a shootout.
And Williams then firmly established himself as the hero of the day, turning away four of the Blue Sharks’ penalties to see his side advance into the semifinals.
Cape Verde had the better chances in the regulation 90 and should have snatched victory two minutes into injury time when substitute Gilson Tavares went free in the penalty area, but his powerful effort was tipped onto the woodwork by Williams to send the game to an extra half hour. Cape Verde started and ended the half as the stronger of the two teams, with promising opportunities for Kevin Pina, Kenny Rocha Santos and Ryan Mendes which they failed to take full advantage of.
South Africa suffered a notable injury blow when potential penalty taker Maseko pulled up with a hamstring issue and was replaced by Terrence Mashego.
Yet the shootout was dominated by the brilliant Williams, who kept out kicks from Bebe, Semedo, Duarte and Andrade to see his side claim a 2-1 win and advance into the final four of an Afcon for the first time since 2000.
Credit: supersport.com
