AFCON 2023: Internet's Best Reactions After Bafana Dramatically Eliminated Cape Verde on Penalties

• South Africa are through to the AFCON 2023 semi-finals for the first time in 24 years
• Bafana Bafana beat Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties in a nail-biting quarterfinal clash
• Hugo Broos' men set up a mouthwatering clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria

In a nail-biting Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash on Saturday, February 3, South Africa's goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, played a hero's role, making four crucial saves in the post-match penalty shoot-out to secure a 2-1 victory over Cape Verde,

The dramatic win sent Bafana Bafana into the AFCON semi-finals, a first since 2000.

Bryan Teixeira was the lone scorer for Cape Verde from the penalty spot, while Teboho Mokoena and Mothobi Mvala found the net for South Africa.

The victory marked the team's return to the semi-finals for the first time since 2000, with Nigeria set to be their opponents in Bouake on Wednesday, February 7, as reported by Naija Times.

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Cape Verde had an opportunity to clinch victory in regular time when Gilson Tavares broke through, but Williams denied him with a crucial save, pushing the shot onto the post and ensuring the ball was cleared.

Reflecting on the game, South Africa's coach, Hugo Broos, expressed the stress of the encounter, jokingly insinuating he had grown older by five years.

"Let's say six hours ago I was 71, now I am 75. It was a very stressful game, certainly with penalties," Broos said, as quoted by France24.

Broos acknowledged the nervousness of his players and the pressure to qualify for the semi-finals, stressing that the hunger within the team is significant, and they aim to progress further.

Under his leadership, South Africa, predominantly comprised of players from the local league, has seen a revival in fortunes. The starting line-up against Cape Verde, unchanged for the fourth consecutive game, featured eight players from Mamelodi Sundowns, the dominant club in the South African league.

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South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saves four penalties to deny Cape Verde AFCON 2023 semi-final berth

Sports Brief reported that South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams singlehandedly sent the Bafana Bafana to the semi-final of the AFCON 2023 after saving four penalties against Cape Verde in the shootouts.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper had a good game, denying the Blue Sharks several times in regulation time.

Williams produced one of the best displays in penalty shootout history after going in the right direction for five spot kicks while saving four.