AFCON 2023: the Bafana Bafana players driving South Africa

The impassable Ronwen Williams

South Africa have reached the semi-finals of AFCON 2023 on the back of a memorable run. Beaten by Mali (2-0) in their opening match, the Bafana Bafana have not lost since. Better still, they have kept 4 clean sheets. It is a solid defence, but also a top goalkeeper between the posts. Ronwen Williams (32) has kept goal for South Africa with a steady hand. His fine performance in the quarter-final against Cape Verde (0-0, 1-2 on penalties) is proof of that.

The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper set an AFCON record by saving 4 Cape Verdean penalties in the shootout. It was a huge performance that took the Bafana Bafana into the last four of the competition. Against Nigeria on Wednesday 7 February, they are hoping to count on him again to reach the final.

Read more: AFCON 2023: Evan Ndicka-Seko Fofana-Emers Fae, the key men

Teboho Mokoena, the jack-of-all-trades

Deployed in midfield, Teboho Mokoena is the guardian of South Africa's play. With his technical quality, positional sense and work rate, he helps his team move forward and also provides good cover at the back.

In a double pivot with Sphephelo Sithole, he is not afraid to push forward and create danger in the opposition box. He is a real attacking weapon with a good delivery from a dead ball. His superb free kick in the last 16 against Morocco (0-2) is fine proof of his technical quality. Hugo Broos is surely counting on him to play in a second AFCON final, after the one won in 2017 with Cameroon.

Hugo Broos, the Architect

South Africa have made their mark at this AFCON 2023 with a well-oiled team made up mostly of home-based players. It is a side that is the product of the work of Hugo Broos, who took charge in May 2021. It is a collective he is counting on to beat Nigeria. “We don't really have a star like many teams. It is above all the collective that makes us a good team. Everyone does their job. That is sometimes more important than having a few great players. In the end, it is the eleven who have to win, so I prefer my team ”, Broos said at a press conference on Tuesday 6 February.

Read more: AFCON 2023: the must-watch Super Eagles

The former coach of the Indomitable Lions has built a solid and convincing side. In 28 matches with the Bafana Bafana, he has 15 wins, 8 draws and 5 defeats. It is a rather favourable record. With his experience from 2017 with Cameroon, he is well placed to pull off another big result by winning this edition in Côte d'Ivoire.

The ultimate defenders. 🔐🧤

5️⃣ Games
4️⃣ Clean sheets

Who will keep the net safe & sound in this clash? 🇳🇬🇿🇦#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/6QFezxcX8x

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) February 6, 2024