Bafana Bafana secured the bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties.
2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Result: South Africa 0-0 Congo DR ( SA won 6-5 on penalties)
Date: 10 February 2024
Venue: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny
Bafana made three changes to the side that lost on penalties against Nigeria, as Mihlali Mayambela, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Thapelo Morena were brought in, in place of the suspended Grant Kekana while Percy Tau and Mothobi Mvala were not named on the bench.
DRC settled the quickest in the game as eight minutes in Silas broke through on goal but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams denied the Stuttgart striker in a one-on-one.
Hugo Broos' charges eventually found their rhythm going forward and with 19 minutes on the clock, Evidence Makgopa had a chance after a through ball by Teboho Mokoena but he fired his shot over and wide.
DR Congo were playing on counter-attacks and were a threat with through balls catching Bafana high up the field but were let down by their finishing.
The game opened up towards the end of the first stanza and Samuel Moutoussamy had a good chance for DRC after he found space on the edge of the box but fired his shot over the crossbar.
The Leopards were quick off the blocks from the break Simon Banza had a good opportunity six minutes with a volley at the near post that flashed wide.
Hugo Broos eventually made a double change just before the hour-mark, one defensive, as Thabang Monare replaced Themba Zwane and Oswin Appollis replaced Makgopa for a different approach going forward.
South Africa continued to be under pressure but Mayambela had an opening in the dying minutes after he went through on goal but he fired a shot straight at goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud instead of playing a cross at the near post.
Bafana also continued to play a high line and were nearly punished in the last minute after Siyanda Xulu's bad clearance sent Fiston Mayele through on goal but his shot was deflected just wide by the leg of Williams.
The game went to penalties after the sides were still deadlocked in regulation time, with Bafana winning 6-5 in the shoot-out after Williams saved Meschack Elia's sudden death spot-kick.
Here's how they lined up:
South Africa: Williams, Xulu, Sibisi, Modiba, Mudau, Sithole, Mokoena, Zwane, Mayambela, Morena, Makgopa
Subs: Mothwa, Goss, Mobbie, Appollis, Adams, Monare, Lepasa
Congo DR: Yaka, Kifutu, Buduka, Ditu, Mbemba, Tshibola, Diangana, Moutoussamy, Bongonda, Katompa, Bokote
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