South Africa secured a historic place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, after defeating South Korea 1-0 in their final Group A match.
The Africans weathered an early storm as Aubrey Modiba produced a crucial goal-line clearance inside the opening two minutes, denying Kim Min-jae from a dangerous Lee Kang-in corner.
South Africa’s Thalente Mbatha came closest to breaking the deadlock when his powerful effort forced an excellent save from South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.
The teams went into the interval level at 0-0 with qualification still hanging in the balance.
The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute when substitute Tshepang Moremi delivered a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Maseko.
The winger shifted onto his left foot before calmly firing into the bottom corner to send the South Africans into a frenzy in the stadium.
The goal transformed the Group A standings and placed South Africa on course for qualification, while South Korea suddenly found themselves needing a response.
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Led by captain Ronwen Williams and marshalled superbly by Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Bafana Bafana frustrated wave after wave of South Korean attacks.
The Asians dominated possession, but struggled to create clear opportunities, with South Africa defending admirably during the closing stages, with the final whistle confirming a famous victory.
A second-half strike from Maseko proved decisive as Hugo Broos’ side produced a spirited performance to advance to the knockout stages of the global showpiece for the first time in the nation’s history.
Knowing that only victory would keep their hopes alive, Bafana Bafana rose to the occasion against a South Korean that only needed a draw to progress.
Latest World Cup results
South Africa 1-0 South Korea
Czechia 0-3 Mexico.
