Ronwen Williams rediscovered his penalty heroics as South Africa won the third place final over DR Congo.
The Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium hosted it’s last AFCON game and it delivered at the end.
South Africa and DR Congo went into this game and immediately had bones to pick against one another.
DR Congo were the ones dominating the proceedings but could not make anything stick. South Africa were happy to absorb the pressure and break out when they could, but they also could not hurt their opponents.
The second period continued in the same stride with both teams coming close but not applying the final touch. South Africa will also thank Silas Katompa Mvumpa for failing to capitalize after Ronwen Williams fumbled his handling during the second half as well. There was no extra 30 minutes in the fixture and it was straight to penalties.
South Africa got off to a wrong start as Tebobo Mokoena missed the very first strike. DR Congo looked to sailing to the third place following Mokoena’s miss, until captain Chancel Mbemba missed the 5th and crucial penalty for the Congolese.
The sudden death round of the penalties started with both countries converting kick number 6, but round 7 would be the moment it ended as Ronwen Williams saved Meshack Elia’s kick after his teammate, Siyanda Xulu had converted.
South Africa have now claimed the third place crown at the AFCON 2023, and all eyes will now tirn to the battle of the giants Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, at the Alassane Outtara stadium on sunday night.
