South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena hit the outside of the post with the first kick of the shootout, after which the next eight efforts were all successful, leaving DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba needing to score to win the contest.

But Williams, who saved four penalties in the shootout against Cape Verde in the quarter-finals, saved Mbemba's effort was saved, taking the shootout into sudden death.

Williams then saved again from Meschak Elia to win the tie at Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.

Congo's lack of a finishing touch proved costly after it missed a collections of good chances to win the match in normal time having dominated for the most part.

Silas Katompa missed two glaring chances, first in the eighth minute when one-on-one with Williams, but his hesitation allowed the keeper to smother at his feet.

Williams later dropped a high ball in his box midway through the second half, but Katompa shot into the side netting when scoring looked easier. Congo striker Simon Banza also botched a sitter from point blank range on 75 minutes.

Substitute Fiston Mayele was the last to miss before the shootout,  bringing a long ball down on his chest well but sending his 89th minute effort across the face of goal and agonisingly wide of the far post.

South Africa, which lost on penalties after extra-time in its semi-final against Nigeria, barely threatened in the 90 minutes, but it mattered not as Williams again came up with the vital saves in the shootout to seal the bronze.