South Africa recorded a 1-0 victory over South Korea in Monterrey on Wednesday to secure advancement to the FIFA World Cup round of 32, according to the match report. Thapelo Maseko scored in the second half and Bafana will meet Canada on June 28 in Los Angeles.
Hugo Broos made notable selections by starting Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng and striker Evidence Makgopa, moves the report said were important in unlocking a livelier attacking display than in South Africa’s earlier games against Mexico and Czechia. Mofokeng had appeared as a substitute in the draw with Czechia and did not feature in the opener with Mexico, the report noted.
The match featured a series of early chances for South Africa. Mofokeng had a header in the seventh minute deflected wide, and Lee Kang-in fired narrowly for South Korea on the response. A sustained Bafana attack after the hydration break saw Maseko’s shot saved before a Thalente Mbatha rebound was kept out by goalkeeper Kim, the report said.
South Korea began with Son Heung-min on the bench and introduced him after the interval, according to the match report. Maseko had another opportunity in the 49th minute before converting in the 63rd from a cross and cutback following a pass from substitute Tshepang Moremi. The report added that it was South Africa’s first non-penalty World Cup goal since 2010.
After taking the lead, South Africa defended deep and resisted pressure as South Korea pushed forward. Maseko was replaced by Iqraam Rayners and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a late stop in the 93rd minute to preserve the clean sheet, the match report said.
