Bafana Bafana make history with victory over South Korea

Posted on June 25, 2026
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Hugo Broos has written his name into the South African football history books after guiding Bafana Bafana to the second round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

This followed Bafana Bafana’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in their final Group A match at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe in the early hours of Thursday, June 25.

Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute to secure a historic victory for the South African senior national team and book their place in the last 32 of the tournament.

Ironically, South Korea enjoyed more possession in the first half, controlling 59% of the ball compared to Bafana Bafana’s 41%. However, it was Broos’ side that looked more threatening in attack, creating more chances and registering more shots on target.

Relebohile Mofokeng, Maseko and Oswin Appollis regularly troubled the South Korean defence as Bafana Bafana pushed for the opening goal.

The breakthrough eventually came shortly after the hour mark when Maseko received a pass from Tshepang Moremi. The winger picked his spot before unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike into the far corner, leaving the South Korean goalkeeper with no chance.

Maseko was later replaced by Ingram Reynes as Bafana Bafana looked to protect their slender lead.

The closing stages of the match were tense, with South Korea throwing everything forward in search of an equaliser. However, the South African defence remained composed and resilient, while captain Ronwen Williams was equal to the task between the posts.

Broos admitted after the match that his side had been tested both physically and tactically.

“This was not an easy game for us, both tactically and physically, but things worked in our favour in the end,” said the 74-year-old mentor.

“The outcome today is the exact result of the journey we started five years ago, and I am happy for the guys.”

Broos is expected to vacate his position after the tournament.

The victory saw Bafana Bafana finish second in Group A with four points, behind Mexico, who topped the group with nine points after winning all three of their matches.

South Africa started their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico before playing to a 1-1 draw against Czechia. Their victory over South Korea proved enough to send them through to the knockout stages.

South Korea finished third in the group with one point, while Czechia ended bottom after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Mexico in their final match.

Bafana Bafana will now face Canada in the last 32 as they continue their historic FIFA World Cup journey.