South Africa took third at the Africa Cup of Nations after beating DR Congo 6-5 on penalties to secure their best finish at the tournament in 24 years.
In Abidjan’s Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium, the match ended in a goalless stalemate after 90 minutes and went straight to penalties. Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain, Ronwen Williams proved the decisive figure once again after midfielder Teboho Mokoena struck the base of the post with the first penalty.
On the verge of defeat, Williams came up with two clutch penalty saves to guide South Africa to their best tournament outing in 24 years.
First, DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba had the chance to win it with the last kick if the regular shootout, only for Williams to save his penalty, before Meshack Elia’s spot-kick was also saved.
South Africa is the first team to play three consecutive penalty shootouts (against Cape Verde, Nigeria and D.R Congo) at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Fielding a much-changed side, D.R Congo got in behind South Africa’s defence on many occasions, but failed to convert the great goalscoring opportunities. Silas was foiled by good goalkeeping from Williams while striker, Simon Banza then failed to generate power when well-placed.
Having dominated proceedings all through the encounter, the Leopards will rue their profligacy in front of goal after missing several chances, with Mbemba and Fiston Mayele wasting decent opportunities late on.
The win means South Africa have won all three encounters against D.R Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations. It also caps a memorable campaign for Hugo Broos, who adds a bronze medal to the gold he won with Cameroon in 2017 while for South Africa, it is their best outing since coming third at the 2000 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
