South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero on Saturday night, saving four penalties in a dramatic shootout to propel his side into the semifinals of the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations following a goalless draw with Cape Verde. Neither team managed to break the deadlock after 120 minutes of tense football, with both defenses canceling each other out throughout the regular and extra time. However, when the pressure mounted in the penalty shootout, Williams stepped up, denying four out of Cape Verde's five attempts and conceding just one. South Africa converted two of their five penalties, with one being saved by the Cape Verde keeper and another going off target. While South Africa ultimately secured the victory and a ticket to the next stage, Cape Verde should not be discounted. They created the clearer scoring opportunities in open play, with South Africa only coming alive in extra time. Their defeat will leave them heartbroken, but they can hold their heads high after a valiant performance. This victory sets up a mouthwatering semifinal clash between South Africa and Nigeria, a fixture steeped in continental rivalry. The social media wars between passionate supporters of both nations have already begun, adding spice to the highly anticipated encounter. For South Africa, this is a chance to reach the final and potentially win their second AFCON title, their last being in 1996. Since then, they have only managed a second-place finish in 1998 and a third-place finish in 2000. Their strong performance in this year's tournament has ignited hope that they can finally go all the way. Nigeria, on the other hand, are no strangers to AFCON glory, having won the title three times: in 1980, 1994, and most recently in 2013. They will be determined to add another title to their trophy cabinet and will pose a significant challenge to South Africa's ambitions.