South Africa were the winners of the Air Cote d’Ivoire Fair Play Award at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023. Bafana Bafana finished third in the competition after edging Democratic Republic of Congo in the battle for the bronze medal.
The former champions finished second in Group E before stunning Africa’s number one ranked side, Morocco in the round of 16 before edging Cape Verde in the Quarter-Finals. They unfortunately came short against Nigeria in the semi-finals but emerged victorious in the battle for third place. Their sportsmanship and fair play sees them awarded the Air Cote d’Ivoire Fair Play Award.
South Africa claimed the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations third place play-off on Saturday, beating DR Congo 6-5 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.
It hands Bafana Bafana only their second ever AFCON bronze medal and first since 2000. South Africa triumphed after a dramatic shootout in Abidjan.
Both sides rang the changes following exhausting semi-final defeats. The first half proved cagey with clear chances lacking for either team.
DR Congo looked livelier after the break as Simon Banza and Grady Diangana threatened. But wayward finishing cost them dearly.
Bafana Bafana also struggled to create openings until the latter stages. Substitute Mihlali Mayambela almost won it late on but fired over.
With penalties looming, South Africa held their nerve. After 11 perfect spot-kicks, DR Congo’s Chancel Mbemba crucially missed to hand Bafana Bafana bronze.
The shootout relief capped South Africa’s AFCON recovery after a poor start. Coach Hugo Broos has moulded an exciting young team brimming with potential.
DR Congo will rue missed opportunities but can also reflect proudly on reaching the last four. Their squad boasts even brighter things ahead.
Ultimately, South Africa triumphed to seize a rare moment of AFCON glory. Their first medal since 2000 represents a major milestone for Broos’ youthful side.
This shootout success should be only the start for Bafana Bafana’s talents. With bronze claimed, South Africa can look to build a legacy after progress in Cote d’Ivoire.
Broos heaps praise on his players following bronze medal finish
Coach Hugo Broos was full of praise for his players after their hard-fought 3rd place finish in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 courtesy of a 6-5 penalty shoot-out win that came after a 0-0 draw.
With very little chances given to his squad, Broos’ charges were impressive during their stay in Cote d’Ivoire where they dismantled African football heavyweights enroute to a third-place finish.
Speaking after clinching the third-place finish in Abidjan, Broos showered his squad with praises, making a special mention of the players that were on the bench who rallied the on-field players.
“I said after Nigeria match that I was proud of this team, and I think today people can see why I say I am proud of this team. We were not fresh but when you see the mentality in that group, it is impressive,” said the delighted coach.
“The boys did very well. They showed great mentality. They tried to do what I asked, and I understand that it was difficult. It shows that we if we have problems, we can count on those who are on the bench. I was satisfied with players on the pitch, but I was even more satisfied with those on the pitch. They were encouraging them and pushing them. From this, you know that you have 23 guys who want one thing and that is winning” concluded the coach. – www.cafonline.com
