Bafana Bafana know the identity of their World Cup round of 32 opponents. If they get past co-hosts Canada, who lies in wait beyond that?
Bafana eye out the round of 32 and beyond
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.
Bafana meets Canada in the Round of 32 on Sunday, 28 June. Kickoff is a much more palatable 21:00 SA time.
If Bafana gets past the Canucks, they’ll meet either Morocco or the Netherlands in the Round of 16 on Saturday, 4 July at 19:00.
Several South African fans online sound bullish about their chances of going to that stage and beyond.
What a night for South Africa in Mexico
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, on a night when the atmosphere was enhanced with news of Mexico’s goals in a 3-0 win over Czechia trickling through.
