GUADALUPE, Mexico — South Africa etched its name into the history books on Wednesday, defeating South Korea 1-0 at Estadio BBVA to qualify for the knockout phase of a FIFA World Cup for the first time.
Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, heading home a precise cross from Tshepang Moremi to spark wild celebrations among the South African contingent in the 52,000-capacity stadium in Guadalupe.
Bafana Bafana had failed to advance from the group stage in their three previous appearances — 1998, 2002, and as host nation in 2010 — making this triumph all the more significant for African football.
The match was preceded by a major talking point: South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo made the shock decision to leave captain Son Heung-Min on the bench. The LAFC star, who has single-handedly carried South Korea's hopes for the past decade, watched from the sidelines as South Korea struggled to break down a well-organized South African defense in the first half.
Son was introduced at halftime, and his presence immediately lifted Korea. But South Africa had other ideas. Maseko's header six minutes after the hour mark silenced the Korean fans and sent the South African bench into raptures.
South Korea pushed hard for an equalizer in the final 25 minutes, with Son forcing a fine save from South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams in the 78th minute and Hwang Hee-Chan having a goal disallowed for offside in the 83rd. But South Africa's defense held firm to secure a famous victory.
South Africa opened their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Mexico before earning a dramatic 1-1 draw with Czechia. Needing a result against favored South Korea, Broos' men delivered when it mattered most.
With the win, South Africa finish second in Group A with four points, behind Mexico who completed a perfect group stage with a 3-0 win over Czechia. South Korea finish third on three points and must now wait to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
South Africa will face Canada — runners-up in Group B — in a knockout match on Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
"This is for every South African who ever dreamed of seeing Bafana Bafana in a World Cup knockout match," captain Themba Zwane said. "We've waited so long for this moment."