South Africa’s Bafana Bafana advanced to the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, thanks to Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronwen Williams’ outstanding saves.
Bafana and Cape Verde played a goalless first half, with both sides having chances but being stopped by the two goalkeepers who put in outstanding performances.
Hugo Broos, a 2017 AFCON-winning coach with Cameroon, came into this match full of confidence after defeating pre-tournament favourites and Africa’s top-ranked team, Morocco in the round of 16.
Cape Verde, on the other hand, were determined to reach the semifinals for the first time, holding South Africa scoreless in regulation and extra time.
The match headed to penalty shootouts to break the tie.
Cape Verde’s Bebé took the first penalty, and Williams saved it, making him the first goalkeeper to do so at this year’s AFCON. He then saved the following three, sending Bafana to the semifinals where they will face Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Ivory Coast came from behind to advance to the semifinals
Meanwhile, in the previous match, Ivory Coast rallied from behind to defeat Mali 2-1 in extra time and advance to the semifinals.
Dorgeles Nene gave Mali the lead in the 71st minute, but Simon Adingra equalized in the 90th minute to force extra time.
With 122 minutes played, Fofana’s strike sneaked through a packed penalty area and was turned in with a flick by Oumar Diakite to seal the victory for the hosts and advance them to the semifinals.
READ MORE: Zambia (W) U-17 thump Tanzania 5-0 in World Cup qualifier
They will now face the Democratic Republic of Congo for a place in the final.
