South Africa break 24-year spell, win third place over DR Congo

South Africa claim third place at the AFCON after beating DR Congo 6-5 on penalties, marking their best finish in the tournament in 24 years.

The match ended goalless in regular time, leading to a tense shootout where Bafana Bafana goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams saved two penalties.

Williams’ heroics denied DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba and Meshack Elia, to secure South Africa’s victory.

The win comes after South Africa’s semi-final defeat on penalties, making them the first team in the tournament to play three consecutive AFCON shootouts.

Belgian coach Hugo Broos, 71, celebrated the achievement, adding a third-place “bronze” to his previous “gold” with Cameroon in 2017.

For South Africa, this marks their return to the podium since 2000 when they beat Tunisia in a penalty shootout.

DR Congo aimed to match their best tournament performance since 1998, while South Africa aimed for their first title since 1996.