Bafana Bafana secured a third-place place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming the Democratic Republic Congo on penalties.
Bafana coach Hugo Broos was forced to shake up the line-up, as Grant Kekana’s suspension in addition to Mothobi Mvala and Percy Tau’s injuries saw Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mihlali Mayambela and Thapelo Morena handed starting berths.
The Leopards enjoyed the positive start and were keen to get the early lead but smart piece of goalkeeping from Ronwen Williams denied Silas from point-blank range.
After a decent opening, the South Africans began to see more of the forward areas as clever play from Teboho Mokoena opened up a chance for Evidence Makgopa who skied way over.
The Leopards introduced a substitution a few minutes from the cooling break where Meshack Elia was send on to replace the injured Theo Bongonda.
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Congo came out energised in the second half before a telling save by Williams smothered Simon Banza profiting from the far side of the offensive box.
Broos decided to add new additions off the bench, as Oswin Appollis came on for Makgopa to make his tournament debut whereas Themba Zwane came off for Thabang Monare.
There were chances both ends a little over the midway stage of the half with Silas flashing wide from a decent position before Mayambela went close off a lay-off by Mokoena.
Congo upped the stakes from the bench where Yoane Wissa and Fiston Mayele entered in a desperate quest to make the breakthrough.
However, despite the urgency brought by the two, the deadlock remained elusive and forced Bafana to yet another penalty shoot-out.
Mokoena was first up yet again for Bafana in the shoot-out and missed, but was relieved as Chancel Mbemba missed on the opposite end too.
The spot-kicks stretched all the way to sudden death, where Siyanda Xulu executed and Elia was denied by Williams to see Bafana to victory and third place in this year’s Afcon tournament.
Confirmed line-ups:
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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