Ex-Man Utd flop Bebe misses penalty as Cape Verde suffer shootout heartbreak at AFCON, with South Africa keeper making ‘save of the tournament’ late on and stopping FOUR from the spot to set up Nigeria semi-final

South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams starred in a dramatic penalty shootout against Cape Verde in the AFCON quarter-finals to send his side through to face Nigeria in the semi-finals. 

Williams made a stunning added time save to take the game into extra time, and penalties were then needed to separate the two teams after the match finished goalless. 

Having kept four clean sheets in a row at the tournament so far, Williams – who is also South Africa’s captain – saved four out of five spot-kicks in the shootout, including one from ex-Manchester United flop Bebe.

South Africa also missed two penalties, but Williams’ heroics meant they prevailed 2-1 in the shootout. 

But the team wouldn’t even have got to penalties if it wasn’t for Williams.

Williams, 32, produced a tremendous display to help his side reach the AFCON semi-finals

Former Man Utd flop Bebe missed a penalty as his nation suffered AFCON heartbreak 

Celebrations were wild at full-time as South Africa booked a spot in the semi-finals 

Cape Verde’s Gilson Benchimol broke through on goal late in added time and seemed certain to send his team through to the semi-finals, only for Williams to make arguably the save of the tournament as he expertly tipped the shot onto the bar.

It was then down to penalties, and Bebe, who spent four years at Old Trafford between 2010 and 2014, stepped up first but saw his effort parried away. 

Bebe joined United in 2010 from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria de Guimaraes but made just two appearances in his four-year spell before a string of loan moves, including to Turkish side Besiktas.

After keeping out Bebe, there was no stopping Williams, as he saved three of the next four Cape Verde penalties.

Williams’ performance propelled South Africa to their first AFCON semi-final since 2000, sparking wild celebrations from fans and players. 

South Africa will face Nigeria in the semi-finals on Wednesday. Host nation Ivory Coast will take on DR Congo on the same day in a bid to make the final.