Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Wiliams hailed the influence of team analyst Sinesipho Mali in the penalty shootout win against Cape Verde.
Williams saved four penalties in the 2-1 shootout win against Cape Verde. Williams said Mali gave him information about the opponent’s penalties before the shootout began.
Bafana qualified to the semifinals where they will face Nigeria, while the Blue Sharks’ hopes of a first-ever last four match were crushed by an inspired performance from Williams.
“Definitely [the best day in my career]. I don’t think anything can top this unless we go on and win it,” he added.
“I’m over the moon, I’m ecstatic. But once again, it’s not me, it’s the team. You know the analyst, he studied the penalties, they sent me so many penalties.
“Credit to the analyst as well,” said Williams on SABC Sport.
The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper’s inspired performance was topped by a key save in extra-time, tipping a well-struck volley to the crossbar.
The goalkeeper produced his fourth clean in the tournament, already matching Bafana legend Andre Arendse’s record of the tournament.
“I’m over the moon. I’m filled with joy, happiness. Not for the penalties but for the team. We deserve it, we fought so hard to the end. We keep fighting 120 and plus minutes, almost 130 minutes.
“We fight and keep going, guys were cramping. It just shows the desire and will we had to keep going. I’m just over the moon and I’m glad that we came out victorious today.”
Bafana are set to face Nigeria in the semifinals on Wednesday.
