South Africa and DR Congo aim to bounce back from their semi-final defeats and conclude their Africa Cup of Nations journey positively by competing in the third-place play-off match.

Bafana Bafana faced a 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Nigeria following a 1-1 draw, while DR Congo suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against hosts Cote d’Ivoire.

The third-place match allows both teams to depart the tournament with the consolation of being acknowledged as the third-best team, particularly in a competition where the top contenders underperformed.

South Africa’s Grant Kekana is suspended for the match, potentially leading coach Hugo Broos to consider Kosinathi Sibisi and Siyanda Xulu as alternatives alongside Mothobi Mvala in defense.

DR Congo’s Gael Kakuta made a brief return from injury during the semi-final, playing for only 45 minutes. His participation against Bafana Bafana remains uncertain.

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