Bafana Bafana boosted their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in their Group A clash at the Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe early on Thursday morning.
The South African team 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.
The victory marks a significant boost for Hugo Broosโ side following their 1-1 draw against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium last Thursday and keeps their hopes of progressing in the tournament firmly on track.
South Africa entered the match without experienced midfielders Themba Zwane and Teboho Mokoena, both serving suspensions.
Zwane continued to serve the three-match ban imposed by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee following the red card he received in the tournament opener against Mexico, while Mokoena was unavailable after accumulating yellow cards.
However, Sphephelo Sithole returned to the squad after completing his one-match suspension following the red card he received against Mexico.
Bafana Bafana showed discipline and resilience throughout the match, successfully containing the South Korean attack before Maseko’s winning goal handed South Africa a crucial victory.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s encounter against Canada, where South Africa will look to build on the momentum from their victory over South Korea and strengthen their position in Group A.
The national team is expected to return to training at its base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, as preparations begin for the important clash against the Canadians.
Government congratulates the Boys
โGovernment wishes the team well for the remainder of the tournament as the team continues to fly the South African flag high and make the nation proud,โ the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.
The Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile also congratulated Bafana Bafana on their historic andremarkable achievement.
โWe congratulate the boys for writing a new chapter for our country by making it to the next stage of the World Cup. We have always been consistent through our support and belief in the team even when many were doubtful that the team can make it this far especially after suffering a defeat against Mexico in the opening game. The team never allowed this to deter them and made a strong comeback and worked hard to ensure they remain in the competitionโ, said Maile.
According to the South African Football Association, Bafana Bafana have never progressed beyond the group stages of the global showpiece, having exited in the opening round of the 1998, 2002 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.
