South Africa claimed the bronze medal at the 2023 Cosafa Cup after they beat Malawi 5-3 on penalties in the third-place playoff following a 0-0 draw at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Morena Ramoreboli's side held their nerve in the shootout as Lyle Lakay, Shaune Mogaila, Iqraam Rayners, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Rowan Human all converted their respective spot-kicks before Christopher Kumwembe crucially missed from 12 yards out for the Flames.
It was a disappointing end to the tournament for Malawi, who also lost on penalties to Lesotho in the semifinals after being the only team to win all three of their matches in the group stages.
Bafana Bafana were denied a place in the final after slipping to a 2-1 defeat against defending champions Zambia on Friday and they came under early pressure from Patrick Mabedi's side in Durban.
The best chance of the first half saw Patrick Mwaungulu draw a fine save out of Olwethu Mzimela with a curling free-kick just before halftime, while the AmaZulu goalkeeper pulled off a sharp reaction save to keep out Chimwemwe Idana eight minutes into the second half.
Iqraam Rayners then squandered a golden opportunity to break the deadlock at the other end soon afterwards when he made contact with a cross from the right, but only succeeded in striking the frame of the goal.
It finished goalless after 90 minutes and the spot-kick lottery was needed to separate the two teams, with the hosts emerging victorious as Human kept his cool after Kumwembe struck the crossbar moments earlier for the Flames.
Malawi 0
South Africa 0
South Africa won 5-3 on penalties
Malawi: B. Munthali, M. Lameck (R. Saiz 90'), L. Chaziya, D. Chembezi, P. Mwaungulu (S. Sanudi 60'), C. Idana, F. Willard (L. Aaron 57'), D. Chimbalanga, C. Mapemba (A. Lungu 60'), C. Mphasi (C. Kumwembe 57'), C. Kaonga.
South Africa: O. Mzimela, P. Dithejane (L. Lakay 46'), S. Gumede (T. Sikhakhane 46'), K. Mohamme (S. Mogaila 59'), L. Sebetlela, G. Palace (S. Mthethwa 68'), R. Human, S. Kobedi, V. Letsoalo (I. Rayners 46'), T. Mabasa, T. Tlolane