South Africa clinched the third spot at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, edging past DR Congo 6-5 on penalties, marking their most successful finish in the tournament since 2000. Bafana Bafana’s captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams emerged as the hero once again, steering his team to victory in the penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regulation time.
The match saw Teboho Mokoena’s penalty strike for South Africa hitting the post, followed by a series of successful conversions from both sides. However, DR Congo’s hopes were dashed when their captain Chancel Mbemba failed to score, and Williams made a crucial save from Meshack Elia’s penalty, securing the win for South Africa.
Despite their victory, South Africa’s performance in the bronze medal match at Abidjan’s Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium was characterized by fatigue, with the team making only three changes to their lineup. In contrast, DR Congo made nine changes from their previous match against Ivory Coast.
Hugo Broos, South Africa’s Belgian coach, celebrated his team’s achievement, adding a third-place finish to his previous triumph with Cameroon in 2017. South Africa’s last podium finish came in 2000, while DR Congo aimed for their best tournament performance since 1998.
With the conclusion of the third-place playoff, all eyes are now on the final showdown between hosts Ivory Coast and Nigeria to determine the ultimate winner of the continental title. The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 11, promising another thrilling encounter in the prestigious tournament.
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