Ronwyn Williams of South Africa emerged as the standout player in the quarterfinal clash against Cape Verde in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast.
The Boys’ national team secured a 2-1 victory over the Blue Sharks in a penalty shootout after a goalless regular and extra time.
Williams, the goalkeeper for Sundowns, guided his national team to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, setting up a showdown with Nigeria next Wednesday.
Speaking to beIN Sports after the match against Cape Verde, Williams expressed his pride in his teammates, stating, “I soared above the moon, and I’m proud of my colleagues.
The victory was well-deserved, and we must persevere in our efforts. They played their part, and when my turn came, I performed at my best.”
He added, “Success is not mine alone but for all the players on the field. We are all soldiers in service of the national team, and I thank all the Bafana Bafana players.”
🇿🇦 Ronwen Williams 🇿🇦
Heroic saves make him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match! 🧤#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #CPVRSA | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/R6VsrGgOmu
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 3, 2024
Williams achieved remarkable statistics during the tournament, including keeping a clean sheet for South Africa four times, a record for the Boys in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Moreover, he became the first goalkeeper to save four penalty kicks in a single match in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Notably, Williams thwarted Achraf Hakimi of Morocco in the Round of 16, contributing significantly to South Africa’s progression to the quarterfinals.
Here are Williams’ key statistics from the match:
– Saves: 2
– Saves inside the penalty area: 2
– Penalty shootout saves: 4
Williams, the Sundowns goalkeeper, previously denied a penalty kick from Atef Attia against Al Hilal, securing Al Ahly’s spot in the African Champions League, a triumph for the Red Devils.
As South Africa advances in the Africa Cup Carnival, Ronwyn Williams continues to etch his name in the tournament’s history with exceptional goalkeeping performances that have left fans in awe.
