AFCON 2023: Bafana Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams Looking Forward to Victor Osimhen Challenge

• Ronwen Williams is eager to face the challenge of opposing Victor Osimhen
• The keeper almost singlehandedly saw South Africa to AFCON's semi-finals
• South Africa will meet Nigeria this week with a place in the final on the line

South Africa goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, has expressed eagerness at the challenge of facing Nigeria after sealing qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals on Saturday, February 3.

The Bafana Bafana goalie made four saves in a post-match shootout to send Hugo Broos’ team to their first AFCON last 4 in 23 years, as they beat Cape Verde via penalties in the quarter-final.

Per All Nigeria Soccer, Williams expressed optimism both personally and for the team after he was asked about the prospect of facing reigning Africa Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen next.

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"We know it's going to be a big one coming up, so we need to prepare accordingly. We are looking forward to the challenge," the Mamelodi Sundowns keeper said.

Bafana Bafana, winners of the AFCON in 1996 on home soil, will lock horns with the Super Eagles at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Wednesday, February 7, for a chance to seal a ticket to the final.

Williams saves penalties in shootout

Meanwhile, Williams was the hero as South Africa defeated Cape Verde 2-1 in a dramatic shootout to go to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals for the first time in 23 years, Eurosport reports.

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper stopped four penalty kicks in a thrilling climax in Yamoussoukro, securing South Africa's last-four place against three-time AFCON champions, Nigeria.

After over 120 minutes of undiluted action at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro, opportunities were scarce, with Cape Verde missing the most before the shootouts.

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South Africa’s road to AFCON final

Sports Brief also previously reported that South Africa's quest for a second AFCON crown is still very much alive after defeating Cape Verde in the quarter-finals.

With Bafana Bafana’s win against the Blue Sharks on Saturday night, South Africa arranged a semi-final clash with three-time African champions, Nigeria.

The Super Eagles have yet to lose in this edition, recording two victories and a draw in the group stages before beating Cameroon and Angola in the knockouts.