MONTERREY, MEXICO – Bafana Bafana secured their first-ever place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages after defeating South Korea 1-0 in their final Group A match on Thursday, thanks to Thapelo Maseko's second-half winner.
Needing victory to keep their World Cup campaign alive, Hugo Broos' side produced a disciplined performance against a determined South Korean team.
After creating several chances in the opening half, South Africa broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when Maseko calmly found the back of the net.
Bafana Bafana defended resolutely during the closing stages to secure one of the most significant victories in the country's football history.
Speaking after the match, Broos praised his players for their commitment and tactical discipline.
"I think we played a very good game, tactically. Everybody did their job. The difference compared to our previous match was that when we had the ball, we were very dangerous. We have very quick players and we used them very well. We found the spaces at the right moments. We needed that goal, and I told the players at half-time to keep believing. I am very proud of the performance of my team."
The victory secured South Africa's first qualification for the FIFA World Cup knockout stages after previous group-stage exits in 1998, 2002 and 2010.
Supporters across South Africa celebrated the historic achievement as Bafana Bafana continued their impressive progress under Broos.
South Africa will face Canada in the Round of 32 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday.
A victory would send Bafana Bafana into the Round of 16 and extend their remarkable World Cup campaign.
