South Africa’s Bafana Bafana clinched a hard-fought 2-1 victory on penalties against Cape Verde in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), setting the stage for an exciting semi-final clash against Super Eagles of Nigeria. Ronwen Williams was the hero, saving four penalties to propel South Africa to the semi-finals after a goalless draw with Cape Verde.
Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte, and Patrick Andrade all saw their efforts thwarted in the shootout by the outstanding Williams.
The victory gives South Africa an opportunity to seek revenge for their 0-2 loss to Nigeria in the AFCON semi-finals in 2000. The clash takes place on Wednesday, February 7, and betting fans can join in by using the Hollywoodbets data free mode to bet on this and other matches going on across other parts of the world.
On the same day, hosts Ivory Coast will take on DR Congo, with the grand finale set for Saturday, February 10, 2024.
South Africa’s veteran Belgian coach, Hugo Broos, has heavily relied on Mamelodi Sundowns players so far, a team that recently clinched the inaugural African Football League title.
This marks their first AFCON semi-final appearance since their glory days, which saw them win the title as hosts in 1996, were runners-up in 1998, and secured third place in 2000.
Cape Verde Coach Proud
Cape Verde bow out of a campaign that saw them register their first-ever win in a Cup of Nations knockout tie. They may have left with some regrets over their poor performance in the shoot-out despite having the better chances during the match, but coach Pedro Brito is a proud man.
“I am proud of my team, I think we have had an excellent campaign.” Brito told journalists. “We always played to attack, were well organised when we didn’t have the ball, and showed that a small country like us can compete. The people of Cape Verde must be proud of what we have done.”
At kick-off, the stadium was nearly empty, though fans, albeit in Ivory Coast’s national team colors, gradually streamed in as the game progressed.
Safe to say. Those who arrived late did not miss much, as there was little action in the first half of the match. The first real opportunity arrived after the hour mark when Joao Paulo Fernandes set up Garry Rodrigues, only for Williams to make a save.
Jovane Cabral missed a golden opportunity in the 78th minute, sending a shot over from a good position, with echoes of extra time spilling all over. Cape Verde nearly ended it before then when substitute Gilson Tavares Benchimol’s powerful shot was tipped onto the underside of the bar by an outstanding Williams.
It wasn’t until the second minute of extra time that South Africa seriously threatened Vozinha, with the Cape Verde goalkeeper making two impressive saves from close-range efforts, one falling to Mihlali Mayambela, and the other going to Evidence Makgopa.
The match headed to penalties after 120 minutes, where Williams stole the show.
Former Nigerian international, Daniel Amokachi has predicted that only the best team will claim victory in today’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash between the Super Eagles and South Africa.