AFCON 2023: Hugo Broos Praises Ronwen Williams, Reflects on Bafana’s Tough Victory Over Cape Verde

• South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has heaped praise on Ronwen Williams
• The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper saves four spot-kicks against Cape Verde
• Bafana Bafana secured an AFCON semi-final spot for the first time in 24 years

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has showered praise on goalkeeper Ronwen Williams for his exceptional performance in the penalty shootout against Cape Verde.

Williams made history by becoming the first goalkeeper in AFCON to save four penalties in a shootout and achieved a fourth clean sheet.

This feat matched compatriot Andre Arendse's record set in the 1996 tournament held in South Africa.

However, Broos didn't shy away from admitting that it was the team's worst game of the tournament.

“Our match was not so good, I think we played the worst game of the tournament of all our games. We played better against Mali, we played better against Namibia, Tunisia, also Morocco,” he said, as quoted by Idiski Times.

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He, however, acknowledged the uniqueness of penalty situations, stressing that Saturday's performance showcased the unpredictability of the game, even for skilled players.

Despite Williams' standout performance, Broos conceded that the overall team display was not up to par. He attributed this to the pressure affecting some players, acknowledging that the experience might have been new and nerve-wracking for them.

"He did not only save four penalties, he saved us two minutes before the end with a player alone in front of him. Yes, he was the Man of the Match, as reported by The Citizen, highlighting the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper's crucial role.

Broos speculated that the pressure and nerves played a role in the team's performance.

He also acknowledged Cape Verde's different mindset, stressing the importance of securing the win, regardless of the manner.

The quarter-final was tense, with both teams unable to find the net in regulation and extra time. The penalty shootout added to the drama with six missed penalties.

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Bafana Bafana is set to face Nigeria in the semi-finals on Wednesday, February 7, at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake.

The two teams met last in the 2019 AFCON, where South Africa succumbed to a 2-1 defeat, with William Troost-Ekong scoring a late match-winner for the Super Eagles.

South Africa's hero Ronwen Williams looking forward to facing Victor Osimhen Next

Sports Brief reported that South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams said they were ready for the Nigeria challenge after sealing qualification to the AFCON semi-finals against Cape Verde.

Williams 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.

Bafana were winners of the AFCON in 1996 on home soil.