South Africa clinch bronze medal at 2023 Afcon

ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire 

South Africa wrapped up their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament by finishing third place at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Saturday evening after beating DR Congo 6-5 on penalties.

The victory over DR Congo ensures that South Africa will take the bronze medal for the first time since 2000.

The match started off with DR Congo showing a huge display of their attacking football as Bafana Bafana settled into the game. South Africa then found their feet and had their own fair share of attacking displays, as Evidence Makgopa received an excellent pass from Teboho Mokoena early in the first half and took a shot on goal but missed. Shortly afterwards, the Leopards responded but their efforts were diffused by Nkosinathi Sibisi.

A good opportunity came for DR Congo once again through Banza in the 27th minute but his shot was too weak and was comfortably scooped up by Ronwen Williams. 

Another chance came for them yet again as Diangana tried to find Banza at the back post in the 38th minute but his delivery was too high to be converted.

Mihlali Mayambela would give some hope to Bafana Bafanaon his right foot as well but his effort was saved by Bertaud. 

Towards the end of the first half, Meshack’s cross went across the face of goal but South Africa’s defenders bravely came through to stop the attack. 

The first 45 minutes of the match ended with no team being able to break the deadlock.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with both teams trying to score but missing their opportunities. 

Bafana Bafana maintained more possession than DR Congo. Silas had a promising effort but he failed to capitalise on Williams’s mistake when he lost the ball and left the net exposed. 

The possibility of extra time kept looming as the match continued to follow the same trend of both teams failing to find the back of the net.

The deadlock at fulltime took the match to a penalty shootout that Bafana Bafana won 6-5 and Williams was once again the hero as he produced two saves, giving South Africa a third place finish in the 2023 Afcon.

South Africa: R. Williams, K. Mudau, S. Xulu, N. Sibisi, A. Modiba, T. Mokoena, S. Sithole, T. Morena (T. Mashego 72’), T. Zwane (T. Monare 58’), M. Mayambela (Z. Lepasa 89’), E. Makgopa (O. Appollis 58’)

DR Congo: D. Bertaud, B. Bayeye, C. Mbemba, D. Batubinsika, J. Kayembe, A. Tshibola (O. Mfulu 46’), S. Moutoussamy, T. Bongonda (M. Elia 33’), G. Diangana (Y. Wissa 68’), Silas (F. Mayele 79’), S. Banza (C. Bakambu 79’)