AFCON 2023: South Africa Legend Picks One Quality That Makes Bafana Bafana Tick

• South Africa are in the semi-finals of the AFCON for the first time since 2000
• They have lost just once and have one of the best defences in the tournament
• AFCON-winning keeper, Andre Arendse has praised Bafana Bafana's defence

South Africa are looking to win their second Africa Cup of Nations title in Ivory Coast.

After losing their opening game to Mali, they bounced back by going undefeated in the rest of their games.

Bafana Bafana legend, Andre Arendse believes South Africa's defence has played a significant role for them at the tournament.

The back four, marshalled by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, has not conceded since losing to Mali in the opening game.

They beat Namibia, drew with Tunisia, and upset favourites Morocco in the Round of 16. Hugo Broos' side survived a tough quarter-final clash with Cape Verde.

AFCON 2023: Rigobert Song Backs Nigeria to Win 2023 Tournament After Eliminating Cameroon

Football

Williams made superb saves in regulation time before pulling off four saves in the penalty shootout to send his country to their first semi-final since 2000, per CAF.

They face Nigeria in the semis, and will be looking to avenge their defeat to the Super Eagles in the 2000 and 2019 editions of the AFCON.

Andre Arendse lauds South Africa's defence

1996 AFCON-winning goalkeeper, Arendse identified defence as South Africa's strongest point in Ivory Coast.

"What was very impressive has been their defensive performances. It’s very important that if you want to win tournaments you have to keep as many clean sheets as possible. The back four, along with Ronwen, has been doing that, so that’s a big positive for the team at the moment," he said per Far Post.

The back four of Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala, Grant Kekana, and Khuliso Mudau have held their own at the tournament.

Morocco vs South Africa: Hugo Broos Says Bafana Bafana Eyeing Victory for a Shot at AFCON 2023 Final

Football

2022 World Cup semi-finalists, Morocco failed to breach the Bafana Bafana defence. Captain Williams' experience has also helped their defence perform.

Arendse added that South Africa have one of the best sides on the continent.

"If you take performances and you take individual quality, we are probably up there with the best in Africa," he added.

Nigeria vs South Africa preview

Sports Brief also previously previewed Nigeria and South Africa's AFCON showdown in the semi-final on Wednesday, February 7.

The Super Eagles are unbeaten so far, registering two wins and a draw in the group stage before beating Cameroon and Angola.

South Africa won, drew, and lost in the group stages before beating Morocco in the last 16 and Cape Verde in the quarter-final.