In a thrilling conclusion to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third-place playoff, South Africa secured the bronze medal after a nail-biting penalty shootout against the Democratic Republic of Congo, winning 6-5. The match, held in Abidjan, ended in a 0-0 draw after regulation time, setting the stage for a dramatic finish that saw South Africa’s captain and goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, emerge as the hero of the day.
South African defender Khuliso Mudau (L) fights for the ball with DR Congo midfielder Aaron Tshibola © SIA KAMBOU / AFP
Williams, who had previously saved four shootout kicks to help South Africa advance past Cape Verde in the quarter-finals, once again proved instrumental by saving spot kicks from Chancel Mbemba and Meschack Elia. Siyanda Xulu’s conversion gave South Africa the decisive lead in the shootout, clinching the victory and the third-place finish.
Throughout the match, DR Congo had several opportunities to score during regular time in what was a lively contest. Despite having less possession in the opening half, they were the more threatening side in the attacking third. However, South Africa maintained a perfect record in third-place playoffs, having previously beaten Tunisia on penalties 24 years ago.
South Africa made three changes to the team that was narrowly defeated in a penalty shootout by Nigeria in the semi-final. Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thapelo Morena, and Mihlali Mayambela were brought in to replace the suspended Grant Kekana and the injured duo Mothobi Mvala and Percy Tau.
DR Congo, on the other hand, retained only two players from the side that lost to hosts Ivory Coast in the semi-final, with captain and center-back Mbemba and midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy starting the match. French coach Sebastien Desabre had numerous options for substitutions, with eight of the nine dropped players available on the bench.
The match was a fitting end to a captivating tournament, setting the stage for the showdown between Ivory Coast and Nigeria in another stadium in Abidjan. The final promises to be an exciting conclusion to the tournament, with a seven-million-dollar prize on the line.
For more detailed coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations and insights into the thrilling journey of the teams, visit https://www.bangbet.com/news/tag/afcon/.
