The Bafana Bafana of South Africa emerged victorious over the DR Congo in the third-place decider of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Saturday.
They defeated DR Congo 6-5 in a thrilling penalty shootout, securing the bronze medal in the tournament.
After a goalless draw between the two sides at the regular time, the match proceeded directly to a penalty shootout without the extra time.
South Africa successfully converted six penalties, while DR Congo managed to score five.
South African’s Teboho Mokohena lost the first kick from the sport, only for Dr Congo to gave the third place winner a lifeline after Chancel Mbemba lost was supposed to give victory to the Congos.
Mechak Elia sealed the fate of the Congos when he also lost from the spot after Siyanda Xulu has converted his own kick.
It was three straight penalties for Bafana Bafana after they eliminated Cape Verde of penalties at the quarter finals stage, but were punished by Nigerian Super Eagles on the same penalties at the semi finals stage.
Both Bafana and DR Congo fail to convert their chances
DRC asserted their presence early in the playoff match, with Silas receiving an opportunity at goal within the first eight minutes.
However, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams exhibited sharp reflexes to thwart the striker in a one-on-one encounter.
South Africa began to find their rhythm later on, as Evidence Makgopa had a chance in the 19th minute following a through ball from Teboho Mokoena, but his shot missed the target, going over and wide.
As the first half progressed, the game became more expansive, yet both teams reached halftime without scoring any goals.
In the second half, both teams were unable to convert their chances as they lacked the clinical finishing they had anticipated, resulting in a 0-0 scoreline at the end of full-time.
The match headed straight into penalties where Williams once again was the star of the show, saving Meshack Elia’s sudden death penalty to guide the South Africans to a third-place finish.
