On Saturday night, Bafana Bafana secured the bronze medal for Afcon 2023 by defeating DR Congo 6-5 on penalties.
In the first eight minutes of the Africa Cup of Nations playoff encounter, DRC made their presence known by giving Silas a chance to score. Yet in a one-on-one, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams showed quick reflexes to block the striker.
Later on, South Africa started to click. In the 19th minute, Evidence Makgopa had an opportunity to score after Teboho Mokoena sent a through pass, but his shot went over and wide instead of into the goal.
The game opened up more as the first half went on, but neither team scored any goals by the time the half was over.
Both sides failed to capitalize on their opportunities in the second half due to a lack of precision finishing, and at full time, the score was 0-0.
The game immediately went into penalties, where Williams once again stole the show by stopping Meshack Elia’s unexpected death penalty and leading the South Africans to third place.
In regulation time, Bafana’s Williams was put to the test, and he performed admirably in between the posts.
Yet it was in the penalty shootout that he proved courageous, holding his ground and leading his country to a bronze medal.
Due to inaccuracy in front of goal, neither nation was able to take advantage of their scoring opportunities during the game.
Their forwards failed to score and showed a lack of composure in their attempts to break the deadlock.
On February 13, the Premier Soccer League will restart with the local players for the South African team returning to their clubs.
Yet following a taxing match in Ivory Coast, teams may decide to give these players time to heal before bringing them back into the game.
(Goal)
