South Africa vs DR Congo Prediction: A tournament to remember for the two nations

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff between South Africa and Congo DR is set to take place at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Saturday. Both nations face each other following disappointing semi-final defeats. Bafana Bafana lost on penalties after a commendable showing against Nigeria, while the Leopards were beaten by tournament hosts Ivory Coast.

The third-place game for South Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations remains uncertain, considering the mental and physical strain from playing extra time in the quarter and semi-finals. Following Wednesday's loss to Nigeria, where Hugo Broos's team surprised the Super Eagles with a switch to a back three and showcased superior coherence in the opening half, Bafana Bafana may still be reeling. Despite finding success between the lines and exploiting Nigeria's passive defensive structure, South Africa couldn't secure a lead. They equalized in the 90th minute through Teboho Mokoena's late penalty, and despite a chance to win it in the last kick of the game, they ultimately went to extra time and lost in the penalty shootout. This defeat ended their aspirations of reaching the AFCON final and playing for a second African title, leaving them now aiming for a positive response to secure a third-place finish.

Sebastien Desabre's team lost 1-0 to the Ivory Coast, with Sebastien Haller's unorthodox 65th-minute finish leading to their continued wait for their first continental title since 1974. The Leopards have not reached the deciding game in the finals for a long time, losing their last three semi-finals in 1998 to Bafana Bafana and in 2015 and the ongoing finals to Ivory Coast. Eager to end their tournament on a positive note, DR Congo goes into the third-place fixture hoping to wash away the disappointment of losing to the hosts. Despite their progression from the group without winning a game and securing a win against Egypt on penalties, the Leopards may face concerns heading into Saturday's clash.

South Africa Possible Starting Lineup:

Williams; Mudau, Xulu, Mvala, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Morena, Zwane, Tau; Makgopa

DR Congo Possible Starting Lineup:

M'Pasi; Kalulu, Mbemba, Inonga, Masuaku; Pickel, Moutoussamy; Elia, Bongonda, Wissa; Bakambu

In their recent five encounters with DR Congo, South Africa has secured three wins and two draws. South Africa is participating in the Africa Cup of Nations for the 11th time, with a record that includes a 1996 title, a runners-up finish in 1998, and a third-place medal in 2000. DR Congo, participating in the Africa Cup of Nations for the 19th time, has won the tournament twice.

Looking at their recent performances, South Africa has won three times, drawn once, and lost once in their last five matches. On the other hand, DR Congo has won twice, drawn twice, and lost once in their last five matches.

Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane, both with two goals each, will be aiming to add more to their tally and conclude their campaign in style. Bafana Bafana is expected to showcase their strength once again, having been the team that every other side wanted to avoid in this tournament. While Yoane Wissa stands as DR Congo's top scorer in this edition with two goals, the main attacking threat for the team is Silas Katompa Mvumpa. South Africa enters the match as the favorites, buoyed by their form and momentum, and is anticipated to capitalize on their chances following an impressive performance against Nigeria.