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South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has humbly attributed the team's dramatic AFCON semi-final qualification to a collective effort and unity.
Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has attributed his exceptional performance in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals to the collective effort of his teammates and the technical staff.
In a thrilling encounter that saw South Africa secure a semi-final spot for the first time since 2000, Williams' heroics were pivotal in keeping Cape Verde at bay during the 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, and further during the nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
"It was tough. They played their part, and it was my time to play my part," Williams humbly remarked, shifting the focus from his individual brilliance to the team's collaborative spirit.
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Despite his crucial saves in the penalty shootout, Williams insists on sharing the credit.
"I am just glad that we are in the next round. This is not mine but it is for the collective. The staff, technical team, and each player. This journey has been tough, but we soldiered on as a team, so I will accept this on behalf of each and every player in Bafana Bafana," he added.
The first half of the match was a back-and-forth affair characterized by open play but neither side managed to break the deadlock thanks to stellar defending and top-class goalkeeping from both Williams and Cape Verde's Vozinha.
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The second half continued in the same vein with each team creating and squandering chances.
The tension escalated in added time when Cape Verde's Gelson Tavares nearly clinched victory only for his shot to ricochet off the bar a moment salvaged by Williams' quick reflexes.
With the scoreboard reading 0-0 after 90 minutes, the match proceeded into extra time, maintaining the intensity but without altering the scoreline, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout.
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Ayunga, who has featured prominently for St.Mirren since his return from injury, stayed on the bench all game.
Williams' performance during the penalties was nothing short of heroic, denying Cape Verde four times and securing Bafana Bafana's place in the semi-finals.
Looking ahead, Bafana Bafana is set to face Nigeria's Super Eagles in what promises to be an electrifying semi-final clash on Wednesday, 07 February, at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more updates.
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