25 June 2026
Maseko's Strike Sends Bafana Bafana Into Last 32
South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after a composed, deserved victory over South Korea.
Bafana Bafana have made history, according to The Guardian, becoming the first South African side to reach the World Cup last 32 after a determined group-stage win over South Korea.
The breakthrough came from a moment of real quality. TshepangMoremi threaded a precise pass into Lantshene Maseko, who shifted onto his favoured left foot and drove a low finish into the bottom corner to seal the win.
South Africa were not without early scares. The Guardian reports that goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made an excellent double save, denying Thalente Mbatha before smothering Evidence Makgopa's follow-up. Even the introduction of captain Son Heung-min at half-time could not unlock the South African defence.
The result is a landmark moment for South African football, and one that will live long in the memory of a country that last hosted the World Cup in 2010.
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