Hugo Broos will be reluctant to change too much from a Bafana Bafana side which beat South Korea to reach the World Cup knockouts.
Bafana recover from a poor start against Mexico, surge into the knockouts
Bafana Bafana produced a performance for the ages to nullify a talented South Korea side and claim a 1-0 win, which will reverberate around the world. They’ve reached the knockout phase of a men’s FIFA World Cup for the first time. Winning was South Africa’s only chance of progress, and they did just that in a raucous Estadio Monterrey, where the atmosphere was enhanced with news of Mexico’s goals in a 3-0 win over Czechia trickling through. It’s all the more impressive considering how dismal their prospects looked after they lost 2-0 to Mexico on the opening day while reduced to nine men.
How did Bafana beat Korea?
Hugo Broos’ side produced a defensive masterclass, dealing with whatever South Korea threw at them and then repeatedly looking dangerous on the counter. Thapelo Maseko was the match-winner with a 63rd-minute strike. In truth, the Sundowns man could have had a hat-trick. Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng caught the eye with his quick thinking, decision-making, penetrative passing and direct running. Maseko’s role as an inverted winger on the right side proved to be a constant thorn in the side of the Mexicans. Sphephelo Sithole shrugged off a poor display on the opening day against Mexico and looked more assured against South Korea. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Mokoena come back into the side.
Likely Bafana XI vs Canada
There’s no need to alter a back five which has started all three World Cup games so far. So, skipper Ronwen Williams will be protected by the same back four. 20-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi and 22-year-old Ime Okon produced superb displays against Korea, belying their ages. Sundowns duo Aubrey Modiba and Khuliso Mudau were typically tigerish and efficient. In midfield, it’s expected that Teboho Mokoena will come back into the side after serving his suspension. It’s then an intriguing decision for Hugo Broos up front. Does he stick with Oswin Appollis and Evidence Makgopa, or opt for Tshepang Moremi and Lyle Foster?
Williams; Mudau, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Makgopa.
