CAPE TOWN – South Africa produced a spirited display to defeat South Korea 1-0 in a must-win FIFA World Cup Group A clash at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on Thursday, securing a historic place in the Round of 32 for the first time in the nation’s history.
Hugo Broos’ men entered the contest knowing only victory would keep their World Cup dream alive after collecting just one point from their opening two matches. Bafana Bafana were without suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena, while striker Evidence Makgopa led the attack.
South Korea threatened early and won a corner inside two minutes, but Khuliso Mudau was alert to clear the danger. South Africa responded immediately, with Relebohile Mofokeng seeing a long-range effort blocked by South Korea defence.
The opening exchanges were played at a frantic pace as both sides searched for an early breakthrough. South Korea came close in the seventh minute when Oh Hyeon-Gyu fired wide from inside the box.
South Africa gradually grew into the game and looked the more dangerous side going forward. Thalente Mbatha tested goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu with a powerful effort in the 20th minute after good work from Thapelo Maseko.
Bafana Bafana dominated the attacking statistics, registering 10 attempts on goal compared to South Korea’s four, but the sides went into the halftime break locked at 0-0.
The second half continued in similar fashion, with Maseko denied by a crucial defensive block five minutes after the restart.
Its all over in Monterey as Bafana Bafana defeat South Korea 1-0 to book their place in the next round of the FIFA World Cup#BafanaPride #BafanaBafana #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/wtQmHOtnlU
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 25, 2026
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 63rd minute. Tshepang Moremi delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the area and Maseko made no mistake, firing a left-footed shot into the net to send the South African supporters into celebration.
Broos introduced fresh legs as Iqraam Rayners and Jayden Adams entered the fray, while Bafana Bafana managed the game expertly in the closing stages.
Despite late pressure from South Korea, South Africa held firm to secure a famous 1-0 victory and book their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Bafana Bafana enter the history books as they progress to the next round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time ever thanks to a Thapelo Maseko goal in the 2nd half#BafanaPride #BafanaBafana #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/XGjpH7JToc
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) June 25, 2026
Image: @BafanaBafana/x.com
