AFCON 2023: Bafana Bafana Goalie Williams Sets New Record After Penalty Saves

• Ronwen Williams was the hero was South Africa defeated Cape Verde
• The goalie saved four penalty kicks to send Bafana Bafana to the semi-finals
• South Africa are bidding to win the AFCON for the first time since 1996

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

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper led by example after he stopped four penalty kicks in a thrilling penalty shootout against the Blue Sharks to secure South Africa's passage to the semi-finals for the first time since 1996.

According to GOAL, Williams was the hero for Hugo Broos’ team as he made four saves in the shootout, a historic feat set by the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper.

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The 32-year-old goalkeeper becomes the first goalie in the history of the AFCON to make four penalty shootout saves since the start of the competition in February 1957.

Williams will be hoping to seal his fate as a legend of South African football as he leads Bafana Bafana’s quest to win the AFCON again after their last triumph on home soil in 1996.

Williams speaks on penalty saves

Meanwhile, South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has given credit to the Bafana Bafana analysts for making his job “easier” during the preparation for penalties against Cape Verde, FARPost reports.

The 32-year-old goalie disclosed he had studied the Blue Sharks really well after he was provided with enough footage of their previous spot-kicks for him to know at least half of the opponents.

Williams became a national hero, saving four spot-kicks to send South Africa to their first Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in 23 years after the 2-1 penalty victory against Cape Verde.

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Williams wants Osimhen challenge next

Earlier, Sports Brief reported South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams believes they are prepared for the task of facing Nigeria after qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper disclosed that he was looking for the challenge after he was asked about the prospect of facing reigning Africa Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen next.

Williams made four saves in the penalty shootout to send Hugo Broos’ team to their first AFCON semi-final in 23 years as they beat Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties in the quarterfinal.