South Africa and DR Congo are set to face off in the Africa Cup of Nations third place play-off match following their semi-final disappointments. Both teams are determined to bounce back and secure a podium finish in the tournament.

In their last game, South Africa scored late to take Nigeria to extra time, eventually surviving with ten men to force penalties. However, they failed to convert some of their penalty kicks, leading to a 4-2 shootout win for the Super Eagles. On the other hand, DR Congo’s game against the hosts Ivory Coast ended with Sebastian Haller scoring the only goal of the match.

South Africa’s last appearance at this stage was in 2000 when they clinched bronze by defeating Tunisia. Meanwhile, DR Congo finished third in the 2015 edition after beating Equatorial Guinea on penalties.

As the two teams prepare to clash in the third place match, South Africa’s Grant Kekana will be suspended due to a red card, opening up opportunities for Nkosinathi Sibisi and Siyanda Xulu to partner Mothobi Mvala in defense. DR Congo’s Gael Kakuta, who returned from injury in the semi-final, is expected to feature again, with Yoane Wissa also set to start before returning to his club, Brentford, in the English Premier League.

Reflecting on their performance, South African defender Siyanda Xulu expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and credited their coach for believing in their abilities. Meanwhile, DR Congo’s Dylan Batubinsika urged his teammates to remain calm and focused ahead of their clash with South Africa, emphasizing their ambition to secure the third-place medal.

The much-anticipated Afcon third place match is scheduled to kick off at 9:00pm West African time on Saturday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.