South Africa Triumph in AFCON Penalty Shootout, Ronwen Williams the Hero
In a dramatic encounter at the Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro, South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams emerged as the hero, saving four penalties to send his team past Cape Verde and into the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals.
The match was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating limited chances throughout the 120 minutes of play. Cape Verde had the better opportunities, with Williams making a crucial save to deny Garry Rodrigues in the 56th minute and producing a fantastic reflex stop to keep out Gilson Benchimol in stoppage time.
With the game deadlocked at 1-1 after extra time, the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, and that’s where Williams shone. The South African goalkeeper denied Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte, and Patrick Andrade from the spot, while Teboho Mokoena and Mothobi Mvala were successful for the Bafana Bafana.
“Ronwen Williams was the star of the show. His heroics in the penalty shootout were pivotal in sending us through to the semi-finals,” said South Africa’s coach.
This victory marks the first time South Africa have reached the AFCON semi-finals since 2000, and they will now face a daunting clash with Nigeria for a place in the final.
Key Stats:
- South Africa 2-1 Cape Verde (aet, South Africa win 4-2 on penalties)
- Ronwen Williams saved four penalties for South Africa
- South Africa reach the AFCON semi-finals for the first time since 2000
- They will face Nigeria in the last four
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