South Africa goalminder pulled four magnificent penalty saves on Saturday night to book a date with Nigeria in the semifinals of the African Cup of Nations.
Image cred: Smile 90.4fm
Sunday | February 4, 2024
South Africa (SA) are through to the semifinals of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) after some extraordinary goalkeeping deeds last night by team captain Ronwen Williams.
Affectionately known as Bafana Bafana , they beat the obstinate Cape Verde side 2-1 following a dramatic penalty shootouts at Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast.
Both countries failed to convert their chances during normal (90 minutes) regulation time and the (30 minutes) extra-time.
Josimar “Vozinha” Dias, the Blue Sharks [Cape Verde] netkeeper, pulled some close-range blinders from Mhlali Mayambela first, and Evidence Makgopa second especially during the extra-time period.
So did Williams when he parried a one-on-one goal-bound strike from Gilson Tavares which ultimately rattled the goal post and into the captain’s safe pair of hands.
Cape Verde only managed to scoevones and the other four penalties were saved by Ronwen Williams.
On the other hand, SA converted two spot-kicks, missed one and the other was saved and could not take the final penalty because they had already won the quarterfinal tie.
Speaking of the match, Williams dedicated the victory to the entire team.
Bafana Bafana will play Nigeria Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2024.