South Africa secured third place at the Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming DR Congo on penalties following a goalless draw. Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos made three personnel tweaks, including a debut for Nkosinathi Sibisi, from the semi-final exit.
DRC almost led early through Silas Wamangituka before Ronwen Williams spectacularly denied the striker one-on-one. Bafana grew into the game with Evidence Makgopa firing over their best chance midway through the first half.
The Congolese posed a threat on the counterattack but were frequently wayward, summed up by Moutoussamy ballooning over when well-placed before halftime. Openings dried up in the second period as both sides visibly tired.
With scores still level after 90 cagey minutes, spot kicks ensued to determine the winner. Mihlali Mayambela, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau and Makgopa all converted to earn Bafana a 4-2 shootout victory amidst misses from the Congolese pair.
𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀. 🥉
— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 10, 2024
Bafana Bafana take the bronze medal home! 🔥#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/mwFxDi5tgk
The resilient performance means Bafana claimed bronze medals to exceed expectations in Cameroon. For coach Broos, the competitive display capped an encouraging tournament as a new generation of South African talent emerges.
Ronwen Williams proved the shootout hero in net while the likes of Makopa and Mayambela gained invaluable experience. With a solid platform now built, Bafana should approach 2023 Afcon qualifiers with restored belief after showing their potential on the continent’s biggest stage.
