The ongoing championship in Ivory Coast has been full of surprises with the hosts being one of the teams that has made the headlines. The 32-year-old saved the spot kicks from Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte, Patrick Andrade, and Tiago Manuel Dias Correia, popularly known as Bebe to send Bafana Bafana to the quarterfinals. Williams, who plays for African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns, has been one of the best goalkeepers of the tournament so far and should South Africa lift the coveted title, he may win the golden glove award.

The multiple Nedbank Cup winner is expected to lead South Africa in the semifinals against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday, February 7 at 8 PM East African time. The coach Amir Abdou led side managed to reach the knockout stage for the first time since making their maiden appearance at the continental championship after beating former champions Algeria. Mohamed Dellah Yaly was the hero of that epic clash, scoring the vital goal in the 37th minute.

Atlanta forward Ademola Lookman scored the goal in that hotly contested encounter to draw the Super Eagles nearer to the elusive AFCON title. AFCON record champions Egypt are the only other country that has managed to play in the last four on 16 occasions. The talented side registered victories against Namibia (3-0), Burkina Faso (2-0), and Mauritania (3-2) before exiting the tournament at the hands of Nigeria.

Before the 2023 delayed edition, the Palancas Negras had featured in the tournament eight times without winning more than one match.