Bafana Bafana have reached the knockout phase of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history after group stage exits in 1998, 2002 and 2010.
Hugo Broos’s men beat South Korea 1-0 at the Estadio Monterrey, Mexico, in the early hours of Thursday morning to finish as the runners-up in Group A and progress to the Round of 32.
Bafana Bafana will take on Canada on Sunday in Los Angeles, USA, for a place in the Last 16 of the global showpiece. Kick off has been set for 21H00 South African time.
Back to the clash against South Korea, the Asians had the majority of the ball in Monterrey, but a Thapelo Maseko stunner in the second half clinched victory and historic progress for Bafana Bafana.
It was a game that neither side could afford to lose, but it was South Africa who found a way to win.
Thanks to a second-half goal from winger Maseko, Bafana Bafana overcame an energetic Korea Republic in an exciting, albeit low-scoring clash.
Playing in front of a largely Korean crowd, South Africa started better in Monterrey. Early on, Maseko had a promising fastbreak cut out at the last moment by Korea defender Lee Gihyuk. Later in the half, Kim Seunggyu made two fine saves, first parrying Thalente Mbatha’s shot from distance, before denying Evidence Makgopa from point-blank range.
Hong Myungbo threw caution to the wind after the break, making three changes, including the introduction of talisman Son Heungmin, in an attempt to shift the scoreline in Korea Republic’s favour. However, as the Koreans pushed for an opener, it was a South African substitute who made the difference.
Against the run of play, Tshepang Moremi collected the ball on the left wing, beat a defender and fizzed a ball across the top of the penalty area. Maseko controlled the ball inside toward his left foot and slotted the winning goal in at the near post.
Maseko became the second youngest goalscorer for South Africa in the FIFA World Cup at 22 years and 225 days, after Benni McCarthy in 1998, with the latter 20 years and 218 days old at the time.
It’s unbelievable, it feels like a dream,” reflected Maseko.
“Thank you to the fans, they gave it their all. This is for everyone who supported us, but also for those who didn’t. There were many people who didn’t believe in us. We went through some rough patches. But this team showed that they are capable and strong.”
Additional reporting by FIFA.com.
