2023 AFCON: Cape Verde v South Africa report

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Feb 04, 2024. 01:06

The last quarterfinal match at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations saw South Africa defeat Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties – after a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes – at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro.

Date: Saturday 3 February 2024

Cape Verde 0 South Africa 0

After extra time, South Africa won 2-1 on penalties.

Cape Verde: Vozinha, Moreira, Costa, Lopes, Joao Paulo, Pina (Andrade 65’), Monteiro (L. Duarte 87’), Rocha Santos (Teixieira 118’), Cabral (Gilson 87’), Rodrigues (Bebe 72’), Mendes (Semedo 65’)

South Africa: Williams, Mudau (Mobbie 103’), Kekana, Mvala, Modiba, Sithole, Mokoena, Morena (Maseko 63’ [Mashego 114’]), Zwane (Adams 91’), Tau (Mayambela 85’), Makgopa (Lepasa 103’)

Penalty sequence: (Cape Verde shoot first) Bebe misses (saved) 0-0, Mokoena scores 0-1; Semedo misses (saved) 0-1, Lepasa misses 0-1; Duarte misses (saved) 0-1, Modiba misses (saved) 0-1; Teixeira scores 1-1, Mvala scores 1-2; Andrade misses (saved) 1-2.

First 45: After the teams traded half chances, the best opportunity was created by Cape Verde in the 40th minute when an overload down the left resulted in a cutback and shooting chance for the dangerous Mendes, but his effort was blocked by Aubrey Modiba.

Second 45: Cape Verde had the better chances in the second half and should have snatched victory two minutes into injury time when substitute Gilson Tavares went free in the penalty area, but his powerful effort was tipped onto the woodwork by goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the game to an extra half hour.

Extra time, first 15: Early in extra time Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made two fine saves in quick succession to keep out efforts from Mihlali Mayambela and Evidence Makgopa, before Gilson whipped a shot across the face of goal at the other end.

Extra time, second 15: No clear chances were created at either end, though South Africa suffered a notable injury blow when potential penalty taker Maseko pulled up with a hamstring issue and was replaced by Terrence Mashego.

Penalty shootout: Williams was the dominant figure, saving from Bebe, Semedo, Duarte and Andrade to see his side claim a 2-1 win and advance into the final four.

What the result means: South Africa have reached the semifinals of an AFCON for the fourth time overall and the first time since 2000.

What’s next: South Africa will face Nigeria in the first semifinal, set for Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Wednesday 7 February.