South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has given “credit to the analysts and the goalkeeper coach” making history on Saturday by saving a record-breaking 4 penalties in a dramatic shootout against Cape Verde to propel Bafana Bafana into the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals.
After 120 goalless minutes, Williams denied Cape Verde’s first three penalty takers and a fifth to secure a 2-1 shootout victory following the quarterfinal in Yamoussoukro. The heroics earned Williams man of the match honors.
“It’s not me. I give credit to the analysts and the goalkeeper coach as well. They sent me so many clips, you know, and my phone is full of penalty clips,” said Williams, praising the team’s preparations. “They made my job 50% easier because I had an idea where most of the players were going.”
Williams also highlighted his team’s determination to keep battling through extra time to reach penalties. “The desire we had as a team tonight to fight for 120-plus minutes – that’s what matters to me,” he said.
Coach Hugo Broos agreed preparation was key. “It’s not lucky, because we have a very good camp today. If you can (save) four penalties, this is not luck anymore,” he stated.
The nail-biting victory sets up a semifinal clash against rivals Nigeria as South Africa chase a second AFCON title after victory in 1996.
Williams and his teammates will need to summon another gritty performance to get past the talented Super Eagles.
