In a landmark moment for South African football, Thapelo Maseko netted the only goal as South Africa triumphed 1-0 over South Korea on Wednesday, securing their place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever. The 22-year-old winger’s strike in the 63rd minute sealed a memorable victory for Bafana Bafana, who had entered the final Group A match at the bottom of the table, knowing that only a win would keep their tournament hopes alive.
South Africa concluded Group A as runners-up and will face Group B’s second-placed team, Canada, in Los Angeles on June 28. This fixture marks the first World Cup knockout match for both nations.
Despite playing before a crowd largely supporting South Korea in Monterrey, South Africa started the match strongly. Early on, Maseko threatened with a rapid counterattack, only to be denied by South Korean defender Lee Gihyuk. South Korea’s goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu made two vital saves before halftime, first blocking a long-range effort from Thalente Mbatha and then stopping a close-range attempt by Evidence Makgopa.
In response, South Korea’s coach Hong Myungbo made three substitutions after the break, including the introduction of captain Son Heungmin, as they sought to break the deadlock. However, South Africa struck against the flow of play. Substitute Teshpang Moremi surged down the left wing and delivered a low cross to Maseko, who controlled it and fired a precise shot inside the near post.
South Korea dominated possession late in the game but failed to create clear chances to equalize, as South Africa maintained their defensive resolve to secure the historic win. Maseko’s goal made him the second-youngest South African to score at a FIFA World Cup, aged 22 years and 225 days.
Reflecting on the victory, South Africa coach Hugo Broos described the achievement as a “fantastic experience,” praising his team’s tactical discipline and creativity. “We played really well and created chances. Korea Republic couldn’t find the spaces they wanted. What we have done over the last five years is amazing,” he said.
Maseko called the accomplishment “a dream,” expressing gratitude to the supporters and highlighting the team’s resilience despite widespread doubt. “It’s unbelievable. Thank you to the fans who supported us. There were many people who didn’t believe in us, but this team showed it is capable and strong,” he added.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s coach Hong Myungbo took responsibility for the defeat, acknowledging the team’s effort but lamenting the conceded goal. “The players gave everything they had, but it is disappointing that we conceded the opening goal. The responsibility for this result lies with me as head coach,” he stated.
South Africa’s captain Ronwen Williams emphasized how the skepticism surrounding their team fueled their determination. “Everybody was against us. We used that as energy to fight today. It’s amazing what we achieved,” he said.
South Korea now faces uncertainty as they await confirmation on whether they will advance as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
