A historic placement, which Bafana Bafana had been missing for twenty-four years now. Elijah’s mistake was decisive. Tomorrow at 9pm the final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast
South Africa takes third place in the Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Hugo Broos’s team beats the Democratic Republic of Congo on penalties in the final. Scoreless until the 90th minute, we go straight to spot kicks: Mokoena misses the first, the fifth penalty is taken by Mbemba who is hypnotized by Williams. The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper also saved Elia’s seventh penalty. He is the hero of the evening: still the protagonist from eleven meters like in the quarter-finals against Cape Verde. South Africa wins the bronze medal 24 years after the last time: they achieved it in 2000 by beating Tunisia. The final between Nigeria and Ivory Coast will be held on Sunday at 9pm.
south africa-rd congo 0-0, 6-5 dcr
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In the first half it was a balanced match. Coach Desabre’s team plays better, Hugo Broos’ men close behind. In the 7th minute Silas devours the goal only in front of Williams, but the referee stops everything for offside. The DR of Congo also wastes with Banza on two occasions, the Braga striker is unable to challenge the South Africa goalkeeper. While Bafana Bafana never show up in front. In the second half, Silas and Banza again found themselves well in the area, but were unable to score. The DR Congo is a siege, but Broos’ team doesn’t find the right space to break the deadlock. In the 65th minute the South Africa goalkeeper makes a mistake and lets the ball slip away in the area, Elia and Silas can’t find the target. Ten minutes later it is captain Mbemba who sends it very high. Bafana Bafana’s first real chance goes to Mayambela, saved by Bertaud. In the final, the Congolese Mayele comes close to hitting the post. At 90′ it’s 0-0, we go to penalties: there are no extra time scheduled. South Africa kicks first and Mokoena hits the post. Everyone else scores, but at the fifth and decisive penalty Mbemba is hypnotized by Williams. It continues to the bitter end: the South African Xulu scores, Elia does not. Bafana Bafana finished third in the Africa Cup of Nations.
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