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Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea in Monterrey, sending Bafana Bafana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever.
South Africa pulled off a historic triumph on Tuesday, defeating South Korea 1-0 at Monterrey Stadium to secure their place in the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the program’s history.
The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute. South African substitute Tshepang Moremi delivered a low, driven cross into the box, and Thapelo Maseko controlled it masterfully, creating space to slot a precise shot into the bottom-right corner.
Key Takeaways
- South African substitute Tshepang Moremi delivered a low, driven cross into the box, and Thapelo Maseko controlled it masterfully, creating space to slot a precise shot into the bottom-right corner.
- South Korea dominated possession with 68.5 percent and registered seven shots, two on target, while South Africa managed 14 shots, four on target.
- South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo sent shockwaves through the tournament by leaving legendary captain Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup following flat opening displays.
South Korea dominated possession with 68.5 percent and registered seven shots, two on target, while South Africa managed 14 shots, four on target. South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made key saves to preserve the clean sheet.
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo sent shockwaves through the tournament by leaving legendary captain Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup following flat opening displays. Son was introduced at halftime along with two other substitutes, but the South Korean attack was repeatedly thwarted by an incredible defensive performance marshalled by Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
South Africa nearly conceded early when stand-in captain Kim Min-jae unleashed a thunderous header in the second minute, but Aubrey Modiba brilliantly cleared it off the goal line.
According to a report by Accra Street Journal, South Africa successfully progressed past the group stage for the first time in their football history. After suffering a 2-0 opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico, Bafana Bafana clawed their way back with a draw against Czechia and this final victory.
Group A finished with Mexico on nine points, South Africa on four, South Korea on three, and Czechia eliminated with one point. South Africa will face Canada in the Round of 32 at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday, June 28.
Source: Accra Street Journal
Last Updated on June 25, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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Samuel Kwame Boadu is a Ghanaian media entrepreneur and storyteller with a passion for amplifying urban voices and uncovering everyday truths. He is the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Accra Street Journal, a dynamic digital platform dedicated to capturing the pulse of Ghana’s capital—its people, culture, challenges, business, sports and innovations.
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