South Africa finish 3rd in Africa Cup of Nations by beating DR Congo 6-5 on penalties

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

South Africa finished third in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday by beating the Democratic Republic of Congo 6-5 on penalties.

After regular time ended with a goalless draw, the match went to a penalty shootout.

South Africa began the shootout with a miss from midfielder Teboho Mokoena and things seemed pretty grim for Bafana Bafana.

South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved a fifth penalty by Congo defender Chancel Mbemba to give their fans hope.

Williams took center stage again and became the hero for South Africa as he saved a seventh penalty taken by Elia Meschak and brought his team victory.

1996 AFCON champions South Africa won their second third-place match after winning it in 2000.

Nigeria will take on competition hosts Ivory Coast in the final Sunday.