Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has opened up on South Africa's heartbreaking exit from the AFCON following a semi-final defeat to Nigeria.
Despite a spirited effort, South Africa bowed out of the AFCON title race after losing 4-2 in a penalty shootout against the Super Eagles on Wednesday night.
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Nevertheless, Williams and co. achieved what no Bafana squad has been able to do in 24 years – reaching a semi-final of the AFCON.
Speaking via the SAFA media department on Thursday, Williams admitted that there was an air of disappointment around the camp but thanked South Africans for their support throughout the tournament.
"It's not a good morning. Obviously, still feeling devastated and hurt, but in saying that, I'm also so immensely proud of the boys," Williams said.
"We showed resilience, we showed brotherhood and I think this team deserved to be in the final, just for the brotherhood we showed and the hard work we have done over the last five weeks.
We fought our fight! And will continue doing so till the end! Thank you again South Africa for standing with us throughout #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 #AFCON2023 #BafanaPride ?????? pic.twitter.com/XzfTUufmya
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) February 7, 2024
"So as much as I am feeling sad, I'm so proud of each and every member of the squad.
"It was heartfelt, man. We felt it. We felt the support on social media platforms that's been going crazy the last few weeks and we've seen each and every message of support, of encouragement.
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"This is what I've been crying for, for the last year or so, for the public to get behind the team.
"But in saying that, it's all about results so we got the results now and hopefully this can be a relationship that we can build as a country together, to know that it's possible and that we need each and every one.
"We need their support. We need them to fill stadiums, we need words of encouragement. Like today, we need them as well, keep sending those messages of support when we are feeling sad. When we have lost. That's when we stick together.
"Just seeing all the photos and all the big screens that were set up across the country. It shows that the country can be united."
Bafana still have a bronze medal to play for when they meet DR Congo in the third-place play-off on Saturday. Kick-off is at 22:00 (SA time).
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