South Africa and DR Congo will look to rebound from their semi-final disappointment and end their campaign on a high as they face each other in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off match.

Both sides were knocked out of the title race during the semi-finals, where Bafana Bafana were edged 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Nigeria, while DR Congo lost by a slim 1-0 margin against hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

The third- and fourth-place play-off offers both sides the chance to leave the competition with the consolation of being recognised as the third-best team in a tournament where the ‘big boys’ failed to impress.

Team News

South Africa’s Grant Kekana is suspended for the tie, and coach Hugo Broos could go with Kosinathi Sibisi and Siyanda Xulu as options to partner Mothobi Mvala in the centre of defence.

As for DR Congo, Gael Kakuta returned from injury in the semi-final but only played for 45 minutes. It’s uncertain whether he will be risked against Bafana Bafana.

The game will take place at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan at 8:00 p.m. local time.

Vanguard News