AFCON 2023 Third Place: Reactions As Ronwen Williams Leads Bafana Bafana Past DR Congo

AFCON 2023 Third Place: Reactions As Ronwen Williams Leads Bafana Bafana Past DR Congo

Raphael Abiola
updated at February 10, 2024 at 10:59 PM
In this article:
Ronwen Williams logo
R. Williams
Mamelodi Sundowns logoGSouth Africa logo
South Africa logo
South Africa
South Africa
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CAF Africa Cup of Nations logo
CAF AFCON
Africa
Democratic Republic of the Congo logo
DR Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
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  • Ronwen Williams was the hero once again as South Africa finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
  • Bafana Bafana defeated the Democratic Republic of Congo in the third-place playoffs on Saturday evening
  • The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper produce a stellar performance in the penalty shootouts against DRC

South Africa ended the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as the second runner-up after their victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the third place.

The match ended in a goalless draw after 90 minutes of play and went into a penalty shoot-out without having extra time.

Teboho Mokoena continued his poor form on penalty duties as he missed the first spot-kick, but a heroic performance from Ronwen Williams saved the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder's blushes.

South Africa finished third in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Photo: Sia Kambou/Ulrik Pedersen.
South Africa finished third in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Photo: Sia Kambou/Ulrik Pedersen.
Source: Getty Images

The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper saved two penalties as Hugo Broos's side secured the bronze medal at the 34th edition of the competition.

South Africa's third-place finish stirred different reactions from fans on social media.

@Auti_eSharp said:

"Considering the fact that we came into the tournament as underdogs, heading back home with Bronze Medals 🥉 is a Top achievement 👏... Congratulations Bafana we so proud of you🇿🇦💙🎊"

@Evamodika21 said:

"Thank you for representing South Africa, your defence is top tier 💃🏾"

@lethabo_masha said:

"After all is said and done, y’all worked hard. Thank you for giving us something to always look forward to every week since the tournament started."

@Mahlatsislime4 said:

"Congratulations for winning the bronze medal yall deserve it for your hard work❤️, well done BAFANA BA RONA, we will be waiting at the airport for your arrival."

@Tsuki_Rametse said:

"You've been great boys, restored our hope in the team. Moving forward there will definitely be progression. Love & light."

Omeruo: Why I was confident against Williams

Sports Brief earlier reported on Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo disclosing why he had so much confidence in facing Ronwen Williams during the penalty shootout.

Nigeria came out victorious in their semi-final clash against South Africa on penalties after the entire duration of the game ended in a 1-1 draw.

Authors
Raphael Abiola photo
Raphael Abiola
Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over five years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015.