AFCON: South Africa beat Cape Verde to play Nigeria in semi-finals
Bafana Bafana of South Africa edged out Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to set up an exciting semi-final cracker against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Ronwen Williams saved four penalties to help South Africa reach the semi-finals of the 2023 AFCON on penalties following a 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte, and Patrick Andrade were all denied in the shootout by the outstanding Williams, who also made a spectacular late save to tip Gilson Benchimol’s first-time strike against the woodwork and ensure the gruelling quarterfinal entered extra time.
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made two exceptional saves in quick succession shortly after extra time began to deny Mihlali Mayambela and Teboho Mokoena.
The victory means South Africa will now have the chance to avenge their defeat to Nigeria on their last appearance in the AFCON semi-finals, when they were beaten 2-0 by the Super Eagles in 2000.
The clash against the Super Eagles takes place on Wednesday, February 7, at 6 p.m. Nigerian time.
Ivory Coast will face DR Congo on the same day at 9 p.m. The final takes place on Saturday, February 10, 2024.
South Africa’s veteran Belgian coach Hugo Broos has relied heavily on members of the Mamelodi Sundowns team, which dominates the domestic club scene and recently won the inaugural African Football League title.
It is their first AFCON semi-final since what can be termed their glory days, when they won the title as hosts in 1996, were runners-up in 1998, and then finished third in 2000.
