1. Ronwen Williams has proven to be a World Class goalkeeper
Andre Onana, Yacine Bounou, Mohammed El Shenawy, and Edouard Mendy are arguably the best African goalkeepers.
Mamelodi Sundowns’ Ronwen Williams is up there with them as he has proven on so many occasions that he is a Grade A goalkeeper.
The 31-year-old former Supersport United goalkeeper has been superb for club and country in recent years but his heroic performance on Saturday night against Cape Verde was beyond fantastic.
Williams made a crucial save and celebrated like he had scored a winning goal after saving Benchimol’s 93rd-minute strike.
In the penalties, Williams saved four out of Cape Verde’s 5 penalties. This is how a world-class goalkeeper does his business.
Ronwen Williams put up an unforgettable performance and he has proven time and time again that he is up there with the best goalkeepers on the continent.
2. Simon Adingra saves Ivory Coast from elimination
Ivory Coast needed to rise on 3 occasions against Mali. They conceded an early penalty, and Fofana saved it. Odilon Kossounou received his second yellow card in the 43rd minute and was sent off.
The first half ended in a horrible way for Ivory Coast.
The Elephants went down in the 70th minute to Dorgeles Nene’s excellent strike.
How would the Elephants rise?
On the stroke of full time, Brighton forward, the super-sub forward, Simon Adingra riffled the ball into the left side of the goal to level the score 1-1. Adingra’s positioning was excellent as he was there at the right time to rescue the Elephants.
Ivory Coast went ahead to win 2-1 to secure a semi-final berth.
3. Nigeria’s full-backs are excellent
Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Moses Simon have been extremely good in attack for Nigeria.
Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi have been so great for the Super Eagles in the tournament just like the forwards. Their runs and support to the forward players have been excellent.
Jose Peseiro has done extremely well by being able to get the best out of the duo.
Ola Aina on the right-hand side has been a thorn in opponents’ flesh as his dribbles and support to Moses Simon and Lookman have been great.
Sanusi on the left-hand side hasn’t been up to the level required of him but he has given huge problems to opponents on so many occasions.
4. Mali has flattered to deceive always
It is not a surprise one bit to see Mali messing up at a very crucial stage as it has become part of them.
Flashback to the playoffs of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Mali was looking good to qualify against Tunisia but lost 1-0 at home and drew goalless in Tunis to exit the World Cup qualifiers.
The Eagles had every opportunity to eliminate Ivory Coast but were shambolic in the extra time and subsequently lost 2-1 after 120 minutes. With a man’s advantage for more than 70 minutes, no one gave Ivory Coast the chance to beat the 11-man Mali. The Eagles lost due to their lack of killer instincts against Ivory Coast.
Mali has flattered to deceive since the days of Seydou Keita, Mamadou Diarra and Fred Kanoute so it is not surprising at all to see them lost to 10-man Ivory Coast.
5. Chancel Mbemba is showing great leadership qualities
Skippers are always expected to step up when a team needs help. Chancel Mbemba has led DR Congo with fine displays as the Leopards are in the semi-finals of the 2023 AFCON. TJE marseille defender, Chancel Mbemba, equalised in DR Congo’s 3-1 win over Guinea when they went down 1-0.
The 29-year-old former Newcastle United defender has played every single minute for DR Congo in the 2023 AFCON.
Chancel Mbemba’s leadership at the back and on the entire team is something that no one can ignore as he has been excellent for the Leopards. His ability to calm down his players is incredible.
