My plan failed — Ronwen Williams finally explains why he could not save penalties against Nigeria

My plan failed — Ronwen Williams finally explains why he could not save penalties against Nigeria

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 20:05 - 21.02.2024

South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams clarified the reasons behind his inability to save any penalties during his team's AFCON 2023 semi-final against Nigeria.

Ronwen Williams emerged as the hero for South Africa in their shootout victory against Cape Verde in the AFCON quarterfinals.

However, the 32-year-old shot-stopper failed to save any of the spot kicks during the semifinal clash with Nigeria.

Williams on his failure to save any of Nigeria's penalties

Williams Ronwen wheels off after his heroics against Cape Verde. (Photo Credit: CAF/X)

Williams revealed that he tried to get into the heads of some of the Super Eagles penalty takers but his plan failed in the end.

“Obviously, it is either you are going one of three sides, it’s either down the middle or left or right. Now they don’t want us to talk to the players anymore.

"I tried to push the limits, by going up to them to tell them where they are going so that at least I have cut out one side.

“They started studying me as well; you know, four out of five penalties went down the middle, so now I need to come up with better ideas."

South Africa finished third after defeating DR Congo on penalties in the third-place match.

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