Bafana Bafana wrapped up their 2023 Afcon journey with a strong finish, clinching third place at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Saturday, emerging victorious over DR Congo in a thrilling penalty shootout, with a final score of 6-5. This triumph secured South Africa the bronze medal, marking their first time achieving this feat since 2000.
By Staff Reporter
South Africa’s sensational goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, once again stole the spotlight and became the ultimate saviour for Bafana Bafana. With sheer determination and skill, they triumphed over DR Congo in an exhilarating penalty shootout, securing an impressive third place in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Bafana’s triumph in the thrilling penalty shootout defied the head coach Hugo Broos’ underestimation of the game’s importance.
Still reeling from their heartbreaking loss to Nigeria in the semi-finals, Bafana faced a determined DR Congo side that was eager to bounce back from their defeat to Ivory Coast.
The game kicked off with DR Congo demonstrating their aggressive style of play, while Bafana Bafana took some time to get into the rhythm of the match. However, South Africa eventually found their stride and began to launch their own offensive attacks.
In the first half, Teboho Mokoena made a superb pass to Evidence Makgopa, who unfortunately was unable to convert his shot on goal. Soon after, Nkosinathi Sibisi successfully defended against the Leopards’ counterattack.
The second half of the match mirrored the first, as both teams made attempts to score but failed to convert their chances. South Africa held more possession than DR Congo throughout the game. Silas had a great opportunity to capitalise on Williams’s error when he lost control of the ball, leaving the goal vulnerable. Sila hesitated for a split second, allowing Williams to swoop in and snatch the ball at his feet. The likelihood of extra time grew as neither team managed to find the back of the net.
As 90 minutes passed without a goal, the match proceeded into an electrifying penalty shootout. Though Bafana stumbled initially with Teboho Mokoena’s missed penalty, captain Ronwen Williams stepped up once again as the hero, saving two crucial penalties to secure victory for his team.
Teboho Mokoena’s initial penalty kick struck the outer part of the goalpost, followed by eight consecutive successful kicks from both teams. This left the outcome of the contest dependent on DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba’s ability to score.
However, Bafana goalkeeper, Williams, successfully blocked Mbemba’s attempt, leading the shootout into sudden death. Williams then made another crucial save from Meschak Elia, ultimately securing the victory for South Africa.
In the end, Bafana Bafana emerged victorious with a 6-5 lead against DR Congo after the penalty shootout, with Williams exhibiting his heroics once more by making the two crucial saves, securing South Africa’s third-place position in the 2023 Afcon.
Nigeria and Ivory Coast will face off in the Afcon final tonight at 8 p.m. to determine the champions of Africa.