Despite an enterprising DRC, South Africa finished third thanks to Williams, which is still crucial

Published on: 10/02/2024 – 23:18Modified: 10/02/2024 – 23:29

3 minutes

From our special correspondent in Abidjan,

In a slow-paced match, but not stingy with chances, fortune smiled on the South Africans who did not measure up to the joy at the end of this minor final. CAN. But Leopards can only blame themselves, as they could have made the difference on many occasions. Especially by Silas Katompa. The Stuttgart striker was indeed the most prominent player among the Leopards, missing chances and especially. Like this face-off lost to Ronwen Williams (9th) or this strike to the small outside net when the South African goalkeeper gave up his own goal (65th).

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In this meeting, Desabre’s men seemed more leggy than Hugo Bruce. Who played two consecutive overtimes, quarter and semifinal. The Belgian technician decided to revert to his favorite 4-4-2 after abandoning it against Nigeria in the previous round. However, his team, known for the intensity of its matches, had difficulties at the Félix-Houphout Bouigny Stadium in Abidjan where the temperature (30°) and humidity (82%) were no allies to a good game.

Despite everything, Teboho Mokoena still contained the South African midfielder, set the tempo and was at the root of most of Bafana’s attacks. It was on one of his openings that Makgopa had South Africa’s best chance of the first half with a shot that was not far off target (19th).

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Mbemba cracks

We had to wait until the last few minutes to see Hugo Bros.’s men slashing the leopard again. Mayambela tried to place his ball at a tight angle after a very good movement by South Africa, but the Congolese goalkeeper did well to stop his goal (85th).

Fiston Mayele (90th) and Yoan Wiesa (90+3) had the match ball at their feet, but like most of their teammates in attack, they would see their efforts fall short. The bronze medal was therefore decided on penalties, as the third place match did not allow extra time. In this exercise, it was South Africa who had the first crack with Teboho Mokoena seeing his shot end up on the post.

But Rowan Williams, brilliant in the quarter-finals and author of no saves in the semi-finals, saved his side by stopping Chancel Mbemba’s fifth Congolese shot. The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper would eventually become the hero of this classification match, winning his final duel against Elia Mescak.

South Africa is back on the CAN podium 24 years after finishing third during CAN 2000. A very good run for Bafana Bafana which nobody expected at this level.