The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) concluded yesterday (Sunday, 11 February) in Côte d’Ivoire. The host nation emerged as victorious champions of the trophy for the third time, while Nigeria secured the runners-up position in the tournament.


Bafana Bafana played the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Saturday in the third-place playoffs. After 90 minutes, no goals had been scored, and the match then went on to a penalty shootout. South Africa won 6-5 on penalties, with heroic efforts once again from goalkeeper and captain, Ronwen Williams.

Williams was also awarded the Ecobank Best Goalkeeper award. He helped Bafana Bafana achieve third place at Afcon for the first time since the year 2000. He saved two penalties during the game on Saturday against the DRC and conceded only three goals during the seven matches he played. 


Bafana Bafana stood tall, also winning the Air Côte d’Ivoire Fair Play Team award. “Their sportsmanship and fair play sees them awarded the Air Cote d’Ivoire Fair Play Award.”

Bafana Bafana is eyeing a spot at the first 48-team World Cup to be held in Mexico, Canada and the USA in 2026. Head coach, Hugo Broos, said that “This Afcon made us stronger. The next focus will be for the World Cup in 2026. It is not an easy group to qualify for the World Cup, but this gives us much confidence that we can finish first in our group after this Afcon.”


The future is looking bright for Bafana Bafana after this weekend’s performance at Afcon. It has been a truly proud weekend for South African sports yet again! 

Read more here: https://explain.co.za/2024/02/05/hero-ronwen-williams-sends-south-africa-to-afcon-semi-finals/