Ronwen Williams penalty saves land Bafana Bafana into semi-finals

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Ronwen Williams was the hero as South Africa edged out Cape Verde 2-1 in a tense penalty shootout to reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper saved four spot-kicks in a dramatic climax in Yamoussoukro as his nation booked a last-four date with Nigeria.

Chances were few and far between over 120 minutes at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro, though the best fell to Cape Verde.

Williams came to the rescue to keep out Garry Rodrigues in the 56th minute, and produced a fantastic reflex save to deny Gilson Benchimol in stoppage time.
Vozinha produced heroics at the other end early in extra time, thwarting both Mihlali Mayambela and Evidence Makgopa as the match came down to penalties.

Teboho Mokoena and Mothobi Mvala were successful for South Africa and although Bryan Teixeira was on target for Cape Verde, Williams denied Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte and Patrick Andrade to send Bafana Bafana into the last four.

A penalty shootout stood between Cape Verde and a first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

However, they were unable to capitalise with four of their players unsuccessful from the spot.

Aided by Williams’ heroics, South Africa held their nerve to progress to the last four for the first time since 2000.
Player of the Match – Ronwen Williams
It had to be him.

His magnificent reflex save from Gilson in second-half stoppage time felt like it could be a pivotal moment in the contest.

He then stood up for his country under the most intense pressure, guessing correctly to keep out four Cape Verde penalties and secure that semi-final place. EuroSport