Ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff clash between South Africa and DRC, coaches Hugo Broos and Sebastien Desabre provided insights into their teams’ preparations and aspirations.Reflecting on their semifinal defeat to Nigeria, South Africa coach Hugo Broos acknowledged his team’s strong performance, stating, “We played against Nigeria in the semifinal, and it was honestly a great performance – we showed that we are a good team.” Despite the disappointment of the loss, Broos expressed determination to finish the tournament on a positive note.Broos emphasized the challenge posed by DRC in the upcoming match, acknowledging the importance of mental recovery for both teams. He remarked, “It will be a tough game,” while also highlighting the significance of giving opportunities to less-utilized players in the squad.##NAJAVA_MECA_7863368##Key player Siyanda Xulu echoed Broos’s sentiments, affirming the team’s commitment to ending their campaign on a high note. Xulu stated, “The game tomorrow is really important for us, and we want to finish on a high.”Broos also addressed the impact of Mamelodi Sundowns’ players in the South African squad, recognizing the advantages of familiarity and cohesion while emphasizing the need for a balanced selection process.On the other side, DRC coach Sebastien Desabre emphasized the importance of the third-place playoff, stating, “All matches are important for us, and the fans in Congo really love this team so we are playing with the purpose to win something to repay their faith.” Desabre expressed a strong desire to secure victory for the passionate supporters back home. AFCON 2023: Kessie hails Ivorian supporters as Les Elephants secure final spotAs the stage is set for an intense battle for third place in the Africa Cup of Nations, both coaches emphasized the significance of the match and promised a competitive encounter despite the disappointment of missing out on the final.
