By Frank Ulom
The Republic of South Africa defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo to lift the bronze at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON.
The battle for third place ended in a stalemate at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Saturday.
With the new rule, the match went straight into penalty shoutout after 90 minutes.
Once again, South Africa goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams saved two penalties to ensure his side lifted the bronze.
South Africa won 6-5 on penalties against DR Congo to take something back home.
This is the first time South Africa has won the bronze medal in the tournament since 2005.
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Until the fifth penalty, DR Congo looked like winning it after South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena missed his first penalty, only for Chancel Mbemba to let his country down by playing the match-winning kick into the hands of Williams.
Williams, who has been terrific in the tournament then saved Meschack Elia’s penalty to ensure South Africa won the third place.
Before this, DR Congo will be beating themselves why they didn’t win the game in normal time with all the chances presented to them. Well, they should also be proud to finish fourth as well.
