AFCON 2023 : South Africa beat Cape Verde, to clash with Nigeria in Semi- final
By Ifeanyi Eduzor
South Africa Saturday night qualified for the semi-final of AFCON for the first time since 2020 when they defeated the Island nation of Cape Verde by 2-1 penalties to set up a semi-final clash with Nigeria on Wednesday
After the two sides failed to score in 120 minutes, at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro, the shootout became inevitable but it proved equally low-scoring as only one of the first six was converted but with Bafana Bafan keeper Ronwen Williams saving four spot-kicks.
It was a night the Cape Verdeans got every foot wrong in the penalty shoot out, missing four of their spot kicks to enable South Africa progress to the last four of the tournament.
The penalty turned the South African keeper Ronwen Williams a hero of the match as he saved four of the penalties thereby leaving the West African Island nation in pains as they exited the tournament through a match which they dominated.
Both sides started the game cautiously with regular incursions into each other’s 18 yard box but a change of tactics by the two teams as the game progresses led to a more open affair with Garry Rodrigues finally breaching the Bafana Bafana back line down the left.
He bared down on Williams’ goal and took aim to curl the ball into the far corner, only to see his effort rolled into the goalkeeper’s waiting arms.
Cape Verde coach Bubista’s decision to withdraw all-time top scorer and skipper Ryan Mendes 25 minutes from time seemed a strange one, but when the ever-dangerous Rodrigues followed moments later, it looked as though the Blue Sharks were settling for penalties.
Nonetheless, Cape Verde continued to pile pressure on their opponent and with extra time in sight, Gilson was denied by the fingertips of Williams, who tipped his fierce effort onto the post.
Vozinha’s unusually quiet evening was about to become more eventful as South Africa looked to spark into life in extra time . First, the Cape Verde stopper spread himself well to deny Mihlali Mayambela from close range following an Evidence Makgopa knockdown.
An even better save was to follow from Makgopa himself, who did everything right with his firm header into the ground, but again Vozinha was on hand to deny him.
In the penalty that followed, experienced Bebé stepped up first but surprisingly missed it, allowing Williams to become the first goalkeeper at this year’s AFCON to save a penalty.
He then went on to save the next two to remarkably make it three in a row before saving the crucial fifth Cape Verde kick, sealing South Africa’s dramatic progression to the semi-finals.
Semi- Finals pairings
Nigeria Vs South Africa
Cote d’Ivoire Vs DR Congo
