The keepers of TotalEnergies CAF AFCON: How goalkeeping heroics have defined the tournament

With the TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations reaching its climax, two goalkeepers have emerged as heroes for their nations. 

Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali and South Africa's Ronwen Williams have put on masterclasses in goal to inspire their teams to the semi-finals.

Their showdowns with strikers have enthralled fans and defined this tournament.

As the Super Eagles prepared to face Equatorial Guinea, few predicted the impact Nwabali would have. Thrust into the starting lineup after years on the fringes, the Chippa United keeper proved unbeatable.

His acrobatic saves and brute strength betrothed him to Nigerian fans. When he thwarted Equatorial Guinea's star striker, pandemonium ensued.

Nwabali was christened the "Guardian of the Goal" by Nigerian media. He heads into today's semi-final having only conceded once in four games. 

South Africa's Williams has enjoyed a more turbulent tournament. After disappointing in an opening defeat to Mali, gloomy Bafana Bafana fans labelled him a weakness.

However, Williams was unperturbed and saved his best for the knockout rounds.

Against Cape Verde he cemented his status as a national icon, saving four consecutive penalties to clinch victory in the shootout. Footage of Williams' emphatic celebrations went viral worldwide. 

Now these giants of African goalkeeping will collide at the Stade de la Paix today. With a final at stake, expect theatrics and athleticism of the highest order.

Both men know a place in folklore awaits if they can thwart the opposition. Goals have flowed freely at AFCON 2023, but Williams and Nwabali may have the final say. Their battle could decide the next African champions.

Regardless of today's outcome, The Keepers of AFCON have won admirers globally with their shot-stopping heroics.

Win or lose, Williams and Nwabali emerge from this tournament as legends for their countries. Their brilliance has redefined the art of goalkeeping.