South Africa vs DR Congo prediction, odds and preview

South Africa will face DR Congo in the third-place game of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Ivory Coast.

Bafana Bafana failed to make the competition’s decider by losing on penalties to Nigeria on Wednesday night, while DR Congo suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast in the semi-final.

Following two penalty shootouts in both the quarter-final and semi-final, Bafana Bafana look the side most exhausted physically and mentally but Hugo Broos’ side cannot be written off for the Bronze medal.

After securing their first win in normal time in this competition over Guinea in the quarter-final, the Leopards will be hopeful of leaving the competition with something to hold onto as they have shown courage and determination all tournament.

DR Congo have two bronze medals in their fold ahead of this game while Bafana Bafana will look to level their opponents, knowing they have only one third-place win in Africa Cup of Nations history.

No matter the result, both sides can be hopeful ahead of the next tournament, as South Africa edged notable names like Morocco and Cape Verde in this edition.

The Leopards also had an impressive journey in this competition, eliminating Egypt and Guinea while sharing the spoils with Morocco in the group phase.

Siyandu Xulu is expected to replace Grant Kekana at centre half following his send-off against Nigeria in extra time.

Meanwhile, Chancel Mbempa and Arthur Masuaku are expected to be crucial for the Leopards in their final game of the tournament.

The match starts at 20:00 GMT.