ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast: South Africa won the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) third place play-off Saturday, beating DR Congo 6-5 on penalties after a 120 minutes goalless draw in Abidjan.
It hands Bafan Bafan only their second bronze medal in AFCON history and their first since 2000. South Africa triumphed after a dramatic shootout.
Changes rang out for both sides after grueling semi-final defeats. The first half proved brutal with a lack of clear-cut chances for both teams.
DR Congo looked more lively after the break as Simon Banza and Grady Diangana threatened. But the wayward finish cost them dearly.
Bafana Bafana also struggled to create openings until the latter stages. Substitute Mihlali Mayambela almost won it late on but shot over.
With penalties looming, South Africa held their nerves. After 11 perfect free kicks, Chancellor Mbemba of DR Congo missed crucially to hand the bronze to Bafano Bafano.
A shootout relief capped South Africa’s AFCON recovery after a poor start. Coach Hugo Broos has created an exciting young team brimming with potential.
DR Congo will rue missed opportunities but can also think proudly of reaching the last four. Their team boasts even better things ahead.
In the end, South Africa prevailed as they grabbed a rare moment of AFCON glory. Their first medal since 2000 represents a significant milestone for Broos’ young side.
This shootout success should only be the beginning for Bafana Bafana’s talents. By claiming bronze, South Africa can build on a legacy after progressing in Ivory Coast.
Match facts
South Africa finished on the podium of the Africa Cup of Nations for the fourth time in its history, after 1996 (champion), 1998 (finalist) and 2000 (third). Bafana Bafana have conceded just three goals in seven matches at this AFCON 2023, conceding fewer goals in a single edition only in their first appearance in 1996 (2 in 6 matches).
It is the second time DR Congo have finished fourth at the Africa Cup of Nations, following 1972. The Leopards finished third in their last two appearances at this stage of the competition, winning on penalties in 1998 and 2015.
South Africa is the first country to play three consecutive penalty shootouts in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations. Bafana Bafana have won three of their five AFCON penalty shootouts, including two in the third-place match (in Tunisia in 2000 and DR Congo today).
South Africa completed 87.6% of their passes against DR Congo, their highest percentage in an Africa Cup of Nations game since 2010.
DR Congo’s Simon Banza had 12 touches in South Africa’s box, with only Mostafa Mohamed having a higher tally in a single game during this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (15 vs Cabo Verde in the group stage).
