Bafana Bafana have turned their attention to South Korea after securing a crucial 1-1 draw against Czech Republic in their second FIFA World Cup group-stage match on Thursday.
After suffering a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening fixture, South Africa delivered a much-improved performance against the Czechs.
Although they conceded an early goal, Hugo Broos’ side responded well and dominated large spells of the second half.
Their persistence was rewarded late in the match when Teboho Mokoena converted from the penalty spot to earn Bafana a valuable point and keep their hopes of qualification alive.
With one point on the board, South Africa still have their fate in their own hands heading into the final group match.
When do Bafana Bafana play South Korea?
Bafana Bafana will face South Korea in their final Group A fixture on Thursday morning. Kick-off is scheduled for 03:00 (SA time), with the match set to be broadcast live on SABC 3 and SuperSport.
Broos’ men know that victory over the Koreans will guarantee their place in the Round of 32. Anything less could leave them relying on other results and potentially facing elimination.
South Korea head into the encounter after a 1-0 defeat to hosts Mexico on Friday morning. The result leaves them needing a positive outcome against Bafana to secure progression to the knockout stages.
A draw could still be enough for South Korea if Czech Republic fail to defeat Mexico in the other group fixture.
Bafana need to beat South Korea or else…
As for Bafana, a draw may see them advance as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, provided Czech Republic lose to Mexico. However, that scenario would also depend on results in other groups, making qualification far less certain.
In South Africa’s previous three World Cup appearances, they failed to progress beyond the group stage despite collecting four points on two occasions. This time, however, four points could be enough to secure a historic first qualification for the knockout rounds.
Bafana will have to cope without key midfielder Teboho Mokoena against South Korea after he picked up his second yellow card of the tournament against Czech Republic.
Sphephelo Sithole could return to the starting lineup to fill the void in midfield, while Broos may also consider pairing Jayden Adams with Thalente Mbatha in the centre of the park.
