Bafana Bafana wasted no time shifting their attention to their decisive final Group A clash against South Korea after returning to their FIFA World Cup base camp in Pachuca, Mexico.
The South African team arrived back in Mexico on Friday following their hard-fought 1-1 draw with Czechia in Atlanta, Georgia, and immediately resumed preparations at Universidad del Futbol.
Fate will be decided
Coach Hugo Broos and his squad know that their World Cup fate will be decided when they face South Korea at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe on Thursday, 25 June at 03:00 (SA time).
South Africa will remain in Pachuca for several days before travelling to Monterrey for the high-stakes encounter.
However, Broos faces a selection headache ahead of the crucial fixture.
Experienced midfielder Themba Zwane remains unavailable as he serves a three-game suspension imposed by FIFA following his red card against Mexico in Bafana Bafana’s tournament opener.
Broos will also be without influential midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament during Thursday’s draw with Czechia.
Better news
There is better news for South Africa with midfielder Sphephelo Sithole returning to contention.
Sithole missed the Czechia match after serving a one-game suspension following his red card against Mexico.
With one point from the draw against Czechia and qualification for the knockout stage still within reach, Bafana Bafana know they must now deliver against South Korea in their final group match.
The encounter will determine whether South Africa progress beyond the group stage and keep their World Cup dream alive.