4 records set at 2023 AFCON ahead of crunch semifinals
7th February 2024
Ivory Coast, DR Congo, South Africa and Nigeria are the remaining teams fighting to lift the title.
- SportPesa News
takes a look at the four stand-out records that have been set ahead of the
semifinals scheduled to take place on Wednesday
The delayed 2023
African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament will forever be remembered for the
numerous records that were set.
The ongoing championship in Ivory Coast has been full of surprises
with the hosts being one of the teams that has made the headlines.
SportPesa News takes a look at the four stand-out records that
have been set ahead of the semifinals scheduled to take place on Wednesday
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Ronwen Williams
becomes first goalkeeper to save four penalties
South Africa skipper Ronwen Williams entered into history books as
the first goalkeeper to save four penalties in a shootout against Cape Verde on
Monday, February 3, 2024.
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.
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Africa battle for place in AFCON 2023 final
Mauritania’s
historic round of 16 ticket
Although minnows Mauritania bowed out of the delayed 2023 AFCON
tournament in painful circumstances, they flew back to Nouakchott with their
heads held high.
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.
Nigeria equals
Egypt incredible record
Nigeria became the second nation to reach AFCON semifinals 16
times since the inception of the tournament in 1957 after narrowly edging out
Angola 1 - 0 on Friday, February 2.
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.
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world marathon record ratified
Angola register 3
wins for the first time
Finally, Angola set a new record since their AFCON debut after
winning three matches in Ivory Coast.
The talented side registered victories against Namibia (3-0),
Burkina Faso (2-0) and Mauritania (3 - 2) before exiting the tournament in 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.