There will be a surprise name in the Africa Cup of Nations last-four as Cape Verde and South Africa face off in the quarter-finals tonight. Neither side was one of the favourites heading into the tournament but the chance is now there to set up an AFCON semi-final clash against Nigeria.
Cape Verde cruised into the knockout stages by topping Group B, ahead of Egypt, Ghana and Mozambique. It was less convincing in the last-16, in what was a nervy encounter, but an 88th-minute penalty from Ryan Mendes was enough to send keep the Blue Sharks’ run going, as they look to reach the AFCON last-four for the first time.
South Africa won this tournament in 1996, but have not made it to the semi-finals since 2000. Bafana Bafana lost their opening match to Mali but turned things around with a big win over Namibia, as they finished second in Group E.
That set up a last-16 clash against Morocco, with South Africa winning that match 2-0 to pull off a major upset.
FULL-TIME
Cape Verde 0-0 South Africa – South Africa win 2-1 on penalties
22:52
SAVE!!! CAPE VERDE 1-2 SOUTH AFRICA
Williams the hero with his fourth penalty save to deny Patrick!
South Africa are through to the semi-finals!
22:51
GOAL!!! CAPE VERDE 1-2 SOUTH AFRICA (MVALA)
Cool as you like from the defender, who waits for Vozinha to dive to his left before clipping the ball straight down the middle of the goal.
Cape Verde have to score…
22:50
GOAL!!! CAPE VERDE 1-1 SOUTH AFRICA (TEIXEIRA)
A clinical penalty from the substitute, who confidently sweeps the ball right into Williams’ left corner.
Cape Verde are back in it, but South Africa still have a kick in hand.
22:49
SAVE!!! CAPE VERDE 0-1 SOUTH AFRICA
Diving to his left, Vozinha uses his trailing legs to keep out Modiba’s tame effort.
22:48
SAVE!!! CAPE VERDE 0-1 SOUTH AFRICA
A hat-trick of saves to his right-hand side by Williams, who keeps out Laros Duarte this time.
22:47
OVER!!! CAPE VERDE 0-1 SOUTH AFRICA
Like Mokoena, Lepasa goes down the middle.
However, he gets too much height on his kick, which glances the crossbar on it’s way over.
22:46
SAVE!!! CAPE VERDE 0-1 SOUTH AFRICA
Williams does it again!
Diving to his right once more, he punches away Semedo’s penalty.
22:45
GOAL!!! CAPE VERDE 0-1 SOUTH AFRICA (MOKOENA)
The midfielder is first up for Bafana Bafana, and calmly blasts the ball down the middle of the goal. Vozinha dives out of the way and South Africa have the advantage.
22:44
SAVE!!! CAPE VERDE 0-0 SOUTH AFRICA
Bebe is first up and following a stuttered run-up, Williams guesses correctly by diving to his right and holding onto the spot-kick.
22:39
PENALTIES
After 120 minutes, nothing can separate the sides.
Therefore, a penalty shootout will determine who completes the semi-final line-up at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations.
END OF E.T 2ND HALF
PEN
FULL-TIME
Cape Verde 0-0 South Africa
118′
SUBSTITUTION
Seemingly with penalties in mind, Bubista introduces Teixeira in place of Rocha.
117′
WORTH A GO
With space in front of him, Mokoena tries his luck from distance.
His ambitious attempt is on target, but never troubling Vozinha.
114′
SUBSTITUTE
South Africa make their final change as Mashego comes on in place of Maseko.
112′
OUCH
Chasing a long ball down the line, Maseko suddenly pulls up clutching his right hamstring.
The substitute looks to be in absolute agony.
It is unlikely he will be able to continue, so South Africa must ready a substitute.
109′
SOUTH AFRICA MOMENTUM
Bafana Bafana are looking the stronger since the restart.
Can they make the most of any opportunities that fall their way?
E.T 2ND HALF
KO
KICK-OFF
The final 15 minutes of extra-time are under way.
Can either side find a winner, or are we destined for a penalty shootout?
END OF E.T 1ST HALF
HT
HALF-TIME
Cape Verde 0-0 South Africa
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