At the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro on Saturday night, South Africa defeated Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time. This victory sent South Africa to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final four.
Both teams had chances to score during the course of an evenly contested 120 minutes, but Ronwen Williams and Vozinha each made vital saves to avert a goal and send the game into a shootout.
Subsequently, Williams cemented his position as the MVP of the day by preventing four penalties from the Blue Sharks, thereby advancing his team to the semifinals.
Cape Verde had the better of the final ninety minutes of regulation play after substitute Gilson Tavares broke free in the penalty area two minutes into injury time. However, Williams misdirected his strong effort onto the woodwork, sending the game into extra time.
Vozinha made two outstanding stops early in the extra period to stop shots from Evidence Makgopa and Mihlali Mayambela. Gilson curled a shot across the goal at the other end.
In the second half of extra time, neither team had any clear opportunities, but Maseko’s hamstring injury prevented him from taking a penalty, which dealt a serious blow to South Africa, as Terrence Mashego came on in his place.
But the incredible Williams controlled the shootout, blocking kicks from Duarte, Andrade, Bebe, and Semedo to lead his team to victory 2-1 and their first trip to the AFC Championship since 2000.
The first semifinal between Nigeria and South Africa is set to take place at Bouake’s Stade de la Paix on Wednesday, February 7.
