Bafana Bafana will look to bounce back following their 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup on Thursday night.
Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez secured all three points for the hosts, who capitalised on South Africa’s mistakes and eventually overcame Hugo Broos’ side, despite Bafana finishing the match with nine men.
Having fielded a very defensive team, Bafana struggled to create any real threat and hardly tested the Mexican keeper.
A 2-0 loss sees South Africa bottom of Group A after the first round of matches were completed.
South Korea are second behind Mexico following their 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in the other game.
When are Bafana playing their next World Cup game?
Bafana are in action next Thursday (18 June) against the Czech Republic at the Atlanta Stadium. Kick off is scheduled for 18:00 and the match will be live on SABC 3 as well as SuperSport channels.
Both South Africa and Czech Republic lost their opening matches and will go for broke to ensure that they remain in the tournament.
What Bafana needs to do to remain in the World Cup?
Bafana will need a win against the Europeans in order to remain in the tournament. A draw might not be the worst result but it will force them to win their final match against high-flying South Korea.
In order to secure passage to the round of 32, Hugo Broos’ men need atleast a win and a draw. Having lost the opener, pressure is on the South Africans to deliver.
A win against Czech and a defeat to the Korea Republic might see Bafana sneak into the next round as one of the best third-place finishers, but for that to happen, they need to concede fewer goals.
Bafana’s World Cup hopes are in their hands and a win on Thursday will put them in a good place.