Wednesday evening, South Africa defeated South Korea 1-0 in their last Group A game at the Monterrey Stadium to make history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.

Thapelo Maseko’s lone goal in the second half helped Hugo Broos’ side reach the knockout rounds for the first time. South Africa needed a victory to keep their chances alive; South Korea only required a draw.

South Africa struggled early on when Aubrey Modiba made a crucial clearance to thwart a shot by Kim Min-jae from Lee Kang-in’s corner kick.

Broos’s men started the second half more confidently. In the attack, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko, and Evidence Makgopa cooperated effectively.

South Korea’s goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu saved Thalente Mbatha’s hard shot, so close to scoring. The teams entered halftime with qualification still in doubt at 0–0.

The important event happened in the 63rd minute. Tshepang Moremi passed the ball to Maseko right away. Celebrating with his colleagues, Maseko rapidly shifted onto his left foot and fired into the net’s bottom corner.  While South Korea had to respond, this aim helped South Africa to qualify strongly and altered the Group A rankings.

Under the direction of Captain Ronwen Williams and superb defensive work from Mbekezeli Mbokazi, South Africa effectively fended off continuous South Korean assaults.

Although South Korea had greater possession, they struggled to create decent opportunities, while South Africa displayed a strong defence in the last minutes.

The final whistle confirmed a famous victory, following six minutes of added time, sparking joyous celebrations among the South African players and supporters.