AFCON 2023: Bafana Bafana’s Prize Money Soars As They Reach Semis for the First Time Since 2000

• The prize money South Africa will receive in the AFCON 2023 has gone up
• Bafana Bafana beat Cape Verde in the quarterfinals on post-match penalties
• CAF has made progress over the past two years in increasing win percentage

South Africa's journey to secure their second Africa Cup of Nations title gained momentum on Saturday, February 3, as they triumphed over Cape Verde in the quarter-finals.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams played a pivotal role in the post-match penalty shootout, making history by saving four, earning Bafana Bafana a 2-1 win, and propelling them into the coveted last four.

The win marked the team's first qualification for the semi-finals in 24 years, standing alongside Nigeria, Congo DR, and Ivory Coast in the last four.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe's announcement of a 40% increase in prize money ahead of the tournament means Hugo Broos' men have already secured R47 million.

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“CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the Prize Money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions. We have increased the Prize Money of the AFCON Winner to USD 7,000,000, which is a 40% increase from the previous AFCON Prize Money, "Motsepe said, as quoted by CAF Online.

The tournament winner in Cote d'Ivoire will receive USD 7,000,000 (R132 million), while the runner-up will get USD 4,000,000 (R75 million). The two semi-finalists will receive USD 2,500,000 (R47 million), and each of the four quarter-finalists USD 1,300,000 (R24 million).

Should Bafana advance to the final, their prize money would rise to at least R75 million. The upcoming semi-final against Nigeria on Wednesday, February 7, in Bouake will be a critical showdown.

Bafana Bafana's path to the AFCON 2023 semi-final began with a victory over the Atlas Lions. They then turned their attention to a quarter-final clash with Cape Verde, a team in good form with three wins and a draw leading up to the match.

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In 2013, South Africa and Cape Verde faced off in the AFCON, resulting in a goalless draw. The last encounter in 2017 during the CAF World Cup Qualifiers saw Cape Verde triumph 2-1 in Durban, with Garry Rodrigues scoring a double in the second half, as reported by ESPN.

The quarter-final this year was a tense affair, with both teams unable to find the net in regulation and extra time. The penalty shootout added to the drama with six missed penalties. Williams emerged as the hero, saving four out of five penalties against Cape Verde.

With their victory over the Blue Sharks, South Africa is set for a Final Four clash with Nigeria, recalling their quarter-final meeting in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations where Bafana Bafana succumbed to a 2-1 defeat, with William Troost-Ekong scoring the match-winner for Nigeria in the 89th minute.

Internet's best reactions after Bafana eliminated Cape Verde on penalties in AFCON 2023

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Sports Brief captured the best reactions online after South Africa beat Cape Verde 2-1 on post-match penalties.

Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams played a hero's role, making four saves to deny Cape Verde a semi-final berth.

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