By Samuel A. February 4, 2024
South Africa are through to the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after edging past Cape Verde in a very dramatic penalty shootout showdown. The two sides failed to break the deadlock in 2 hours, thereby, prompting the game to be decided by spotkicks, which was an equally low-scoring affair as only three penalties were converted. Bafana Bafana goalie Ronwen Williams saved FOUR penalty kicks, as his side edged past their opponents 2-1.
Chances were ridiculously few over 120 minutes at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro, though the best fell to Cape Verde, but Williams came to the rescue to keep out Garry Rodrigues’ effort in the 56th minute, and also produced a fantastic reflex save to deny Gilson Benchimol in stoppage time.
Bebe continued his familiar trick of shooting at every possible opportunity, with seemingly no regard for distance or angle, much to the increasing frustration of his teammates. Cape Verde’s big threat came through Benchimol, who was presented with two more good chances and dragged both well wide. Vozinha (Cape Verde’s goalkeeper) on the other hand, 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 Bryan Teixeira was on target for Cape Verde as well, but Williams managed to deny Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte and Patrick Andrade to send Bafana Bafana into the last four.
South Africa will now face Nigeria, looking to end their 28 year drought, as they won their one and only AFCON 28 years ago.
