Cape Verde 0-0p South Africa - Ronwen Williams saves four penalties in shootout as Bafana Bafana reach AFCON semi-finals

Ronwen Williams was the hero as South Africa edged out Cape Verde 2-1 in a tense penalty shootout to reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper saved four spot-kicks in a dramatic climax in Yamoussoukro as his nation booked a last-four date with Nigeria.

Chances were few and far between over 120 minutes at Stade Charles Konan Banny de Yamoussoukro, though the best fell to Cape Verde.

Williams came to the rescue to keep out Garry Rodrigues in the 56th minute, and produced a fantastic reflex save to deny Gilson Benchimol in stoppage time.

Vozinha produced heroics at the other end early in extra time, thwarting both Mihlali Mayambela and Evidence Makgopa as the match came down to penalties.

Teboho Mokoena and Mothobi Mvala were successful for South Africa and although Bryan Teixeira was on target for Cape Verde, Williams denied Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte and Patrick Andrade to send Bafana Bafana into the last four.

A penalty shootout stood between Cape Verde and a first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

However, they were unable to capitalise with four of their players unsuccessful from the spot.

Aided by Williams’ heroics, South Africa held their nerve to progress to the last four for the first time since 2000.

It had to be him. His magnificent reflex save from Gilson in second-half stoppage time felt like it could be a pivotal moment in the contest.

He then stood up for his country under the most intense pressure, guessing correctly to keep out four Cape Verde penalties and secure that semi-final place.

Cape Verde: Vozinha 8, Moreira 6, Costa 7, Pico 7, Paulo 7, Monteiro 6, Pina 7, Rocha 6, Rodrigues 6, Mendes 7, Cabral 7. Subs: Semedo 5, Patrick 5, Bebe 7, Gilson 7, L. Duarte N/A.

South Africa: Williams 9*, Mudau 7, Kekana 7, Mvala 7, Modiba 7, Mokoena 7, Sithol 6, Morena 5, Zwane 7, Tau 6, Makgopa 6. Subs: Maseko 5, Mayambela 6, Adams 5, Lepaso N/A, Mashego N/A

40' - GREAT BLOCK: Cape Verde neatly build down the left and the ball is squared for Mendes. The skipper jinks away from a challenge, but Modiba does brilliantly to block his eventual shot.

56' – CHANCE: Paulo's wonderful ball down the line releases Rodrigues in behind the defence. The forward only has Williams to beat, but sends his tame shot straight at the goalkeeper.

90+3' - GREAT SAVE: Williams comes to South Africa's rescue! A brilliant through ball releases Gilson in behind the defence, but the Bafana Bafana man produces a wonderful reflex save to tip his shot onto the post.

92' - TWO WONDERFUL SAVES: Vozinha comes to Cape Verde's rescue, not once but twice! First, he keeps out Mayambela from point-blank range, before springing across to tip Makgopa's powerful header over the bar.

SAVE!!! CAPE VERDE 1-2 SOUTH AFRICA: Williams the hero with his fourth penalty save to deny Patrick! South Africa are through to the semi-finals!

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing, NBA and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.