South Africa secured the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations third place play-off by defeating DR Congo 6-5 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes. This victory marks Bafana Bafana’s second-ever AFCON bronze medal and their first since 2000. The thrilling match unfolded in Abidjan, culminating in a dramatic shootout.
Both teams made changes following their tiring semi-final defeats, resulting in a cautious first half with few clear chances. DR Congo appeared more energetic in the second half, with Simon Banza and Grady Diangana posing a threat. However, their lack of precision in front of goal proved costly. South Africa also struggled to create opportunities until the latter stages, with substitute Mihlali Mayambela coming close to a late winner but ultimately firing over.
As the match headed to penalties, South Africa held their nerve, with DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba crucially missing the decisive spot-kick, leading to Bafana Bafana’s bronze conquest.
The shootout relief symbolizes South Africa’s AFCON recovery after a shaky start. Coach Hugo Broos has crafted an exciting young team bursting with potential. Despite their missed chances, DR Congo can take pride in their journey to the semi-finals, highlighting a promising future for their squad.
South Africa’s triumph and their first medal since 2000 signify a significant milestone for Broos’ youthful side. This shootout success serves as a starting point for Bafana Bafana’s talents. With the bronze secured, South Africa aims to establish a lasting legacy following their progress in Cote d’Ivoire.
Match Facts
- South Africa finished on the podium of an Africa Cup of Nations for the fourth time in their history, with previous achievements in 1996 (champion), 1998 (finalist), and 2000 (third). Bafana Bafana conceded just three goals in seven games at the 2023 AFCON, marking their lowest goals conceded in a single edition since their debut appearance in 1996 (2 in 6 matches).
- This is the second time that DR Congo has finished fourth in an Africa Cup of Nations, after 1972. They finished third in their last two appearances at this stage, winning penalty shootouts in 1998 and 2015.
- South Africa holds the distinction of being the first nation to play three consecutive penalty shootouts in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations. Bafana Bafana has won three of their five penalty shootouts at the AFCON, including two in the third-place game (against Tunisia in 2000 and DR Congo in this event).
- South Africa completed 87.6% of their passes against DR Congo, marking their highest percentage in an Africa Cup of Nations match since 2010.
- Simon Banza of DR Congo recorded 12 touches in South Africa’s box, with only Mostafa Mohamed registering a higher tally in a single game during this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (15 against Cabo Verde in the group stage).
