The State of Play
South Africa suffered an agonising defeat om the semi-final of this competition, eventually being knocked out on penalties by Nigeria. Teboho Mokoena had scored a controversial 89th minute equaliser from the spot but Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana were eventually beaten by The Super Eagles. The South Africans had started their tournament with a really underwhelming 2-0 loss to Mali before steadily progressing into the semis.
Much like South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo were gutted to lose their final four game on Wednesday evening, despite beginning this Africa Cup of Nations in underwhelming form, reaching the quarter-finals without winning a single game inside 90 minutes. Both Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa had major chances the other day but were eventually undone by Sebastian Haller in the second-half.
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South Africa will have to make an enforced change to their line-up for this one after Grant Kekana received a red card in the second-half of extra-time against Nigeria the other day. Hugo Broos may also be tempted to give the likes of Jayden Adams, Zakhele Lepasa and Thapelo Morena minutes from the start.
DR Congo have plenty of options if they wish to rotate their side on Saturday. Gael Kakuta was replaced by Theo Bongonda the other day and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see that be a change from the start this time around. Grady Diangana, Simon Banza and Silas Mvumpa will all also likely get minutes.
Expected Line-ups
South Africa: Williams; Mudau, Mashego, Xulu, Mvala, Modiba; Tau, Mokoena, Sithole, Zwane; Makgopa
DR Congo: Mpasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Inonga, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy; Mvumpa, Bongonda, Wissa; Bakambu
What they Said
Hugo Broos, who it has been suggested may retire at the end of the season, described South Africa’s defeat to Nigeria as ‘hard to accept’ but continued to heap praise on the work of his players.
DR Congo boss Sebastian Desabre said before their semi-final that they are aiming to make ‘those suffering proud’ with regards to the ongoing civil war with the players then performing a protest during the national anthem so they are expected to be very motivated for this third place playoff.
When and How to Watch
This match will take place at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium at 20:00 on Saturday February 10th and will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK. It can also be streamed live on the Sky Go app.
Prediction
Unlike the final on Sunday evening, this one could well be quite an entertaining game to watch between two teams that have over achieved to even be in with a shout of winning the bronze medal. South Africa have shown goalscoring capabilities with a 4-0 demolition of Namibia in the groups, whilst the Democratic Republic of Congo have an abundance of attacking talent, even if they rotate on Saturday evening. Both teams scoring would seem quite likely for this one.