South Africa took third place in the African Cup of Nations final in Ivory Coast when they beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Saturday.
South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena hit the outside of the post with the first shot, after which the next eight attempts were successful, leaving DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba needing to score to win the match.
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But South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams saved Mbemba's shot, leading the shootout to sudden death.
Williams then saved again from Meschak Elia to earn the tie.
“Today the South African team was exhausted,” said coach Hugo Broos before pointing out his team's difficult schedule. “We weren't fresh. But when you see the mentality of that group, they fought for it until the last second of the game. There were players who almost fell due to fatigue but still didn't finish.”
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There was no extra time in the bronze medal match, which the Congolese dominated despite their poor results in front of goal.
Silas Katompa had two clear chances to put them ahead, the first in the eighth minute when he was free on the left and only Williams could beat him, but his hesitation allowed the goalkeeper to grab the ball at his feet.
When Williams dropped a high ball in his box midway through the second half, with no pressure on him, Katompa had an even easier chance but fired into the side netting.
Fifteen minutes from time, DR Congo striker Simon Banza also had a clear view of goal, but missed his shot from close range.
Substitute Fiston Mayele did well to flick a long ball towards his chest and put his marker away, but he too failed when his 89th-minute shot went over the goal.
“Congo was better than us, Congo had more chances than us. But again, if you fight for it like my players did today, I think they deserve it and I'm very proud of them,” Broos said.
South Africa, who lost on penalties after extra time in Wednesday's semi-final against Nigeria, looked tired as they made only three changes to their lineup, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo gave all their reserves a chance with nine changes since their defeat in midweek against the Ivory Coast.
On Sunday, hosts Ivory Coast will face Nigeria in Abidjan to decide the continental title.
Information from Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
