A second-half strike from Thapelo Maseko proved decisive as Bafana Bafana held firm under late pressure to secure a famous victory at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico.
BAFANA BAFANA WEATHER EARLY STORM
South Korea started brightly and won an early corner, but South Africa defended the set-piece well.
The first real chance for Hugo Broos’ side arrived in the sixth minute when Relebohile Mofokeng unleashed a powerful left-footed volley that deflected behind for a corner.
Two minutes later, Kang-in Lee threatened for South Korea, narrowly missing the target after a dangerous attack.
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EVIDENCE MAKGOPA AND THAPELA MASEKO GO CLOSE
Bafana Bafana nearly took the lead in the 13th minute when Evidence Makgopa rose highest inside the penalty area, only to send his free header wide.
Five minutes later, Thapelo Maseko found himself through on goal following a swift counterattack, but Lee Gi-hyuk produced a superb block to deny the winger.
The chances kept coming. In the 30th minute, Maseko burst forward before setting up Thalente Mbatha, whose left-footed effort slipped through the goalkeeper’s hands. Makgopa reacted quickest to the rebound but fired straight at Kim Min-jae.
Maseko had another golden opportunity in the 38th minute but lifted his shot over the crossbar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
THAPELA MASEKO MAKES HISTORY
The winger continued to threaten after the break and saw another effort blocked from close range in the 50th minute.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 62nd minute. Substitute Moremi produced an excellent run before squaring the ball into the path of Maseko, who controlled calmly and fired a low finish into the bottom corner to hand South Africa a deserved 1-0 lead.
BAFANA BAFANA HOLD FIRM
South Korea pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but South Africa defended resolutely to preserve their advantage.
When the final whistle sounded, history had been made. South Africa secured their place in the second round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time, with Thapelo Maseko’s decisive goal sealing a memorable victory.
South Africa will face World Cup co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32. The match will take place at Los Angeles Stadium in California on Sunday, 28 June at 21:00.
