South Africa reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after beating South Korea 1-0 in a tense Group A match at Estadio Monterrey in Guadalupe, Mexico.

Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, securing a historic result for Bafana Bafana and sending them into the next round as Group A runners-up behind Mexico.

The victory completed a strong comeback for South Africa, who began the tournament with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico before earning a draw against Czechia and then defeating South Korea in their final group match.

South Korea started brightly and created early chances. Kim Min-jae had a powerful header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba, while Lee Kang-in also went close as the Asian side pushed for an opening goal.

South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo made a major selection call by leaving captain Son Heung-min out of the starting line-up. Son was introduced at halftime, but South Korea could not find an equaliser.

After absorbing early pressure, South Africa grew into the match and began creating chances of their own. Maseko eventually broke the deadlock in the second half, finishing from inside the area to put South Africa ahead.

South Africa then defended with discipline in the closing stages to protect their lead and seal one of the most significant wins in the country’s football history.

The result left South Korea third in the group, with their knockout-stage hopes dependent on whether they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

South Africa will now move into the knockout round with confidence after reaching a stage they had never previously managed at the World Cup.

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