South Africa win third-place playoff on penalties over DR Congo

South Africa clinched their first third-place finish in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since 2000 by defeating DR Congo 6-5 in a penalty shootout at the Stade Félix-Houphouet-Boigny after a goalless draw.

This is the match that no one wants to be a part of in the end. However, both Bafana Bafana and Les Leopards had the opportunity to end with a victory and secure a place on the podium, which would be a remarkable achievement for either team considering they were not favored at the start of the tournament. To be honest, neither team deserved a medal based on the uneventful first half in Abidjan.

Before the break, there were only two shots on target. Simon Banza's weak attempt from close range was easily saved by Ronwen Williams, while Mihlali Mayambela's more powerful shot came from too far out to trouble Dimitry Bertaud in the DR Congo goal.

There was slightly more action in front of the goal in the second half, with DR Congo posing a greater threat. Banza and Grady Diangana both missed the target with their shots before Meschak Elia tested Williams with a long-range strike.

However, the best chance fell to Silas Mvumpa, who could only find the side-netting after Elia took advantage of Williams' mistake and passed the ball across the box. In response, Mayambela had a low shot saved by Bertaud, but it lacked the necessary power to truly challenge the goalkeeper.

As regular time was coming to an end, DR Congo had one final opportunity, but substitute Fiston Mayele could only volley wide from a promising position.

Unlike the previous knockout rounds, the match went to a penalty shoot-out instead of extra time. Teboha Mokoena took the first penalty for South Africa, but despite sending Bertaud the wrong way, his shot hit the post.

However, Williams, who had saved four penalties in the quarter-final shoot-out against Cape Verde, once again became the hero by denying Chancel Mbemba and Elia, securing the victory for his nation.

It has been an incredible journey for the winning team, and they will aim to build on this success in the future. DR Congo can also be proud of their performance in the AFCON and will look to carry their form into the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.