The streets of Soweto erupted in celebration at 3am on Thursday as South Africa’s Bafana Bafana secured a first-ever World Cup knockout berth – the culmination of a night that also saw Ecuador fight back to stun Germany and book their own place in the last 32.
Thapelo Maseko’s 63rd-minute strike, fired into the bottom corner, gave South Africa a 1-0 victory over South Korea in a match that kicked off at 3am local time. The goal prompted jubilant scenes as young and old left their houses in Soweto and several other communities in their nightgowns and pyjamas to celebrate in the street at the final whistle.
“South Africa reach first World Cup knockouts with 1-0 win over South Korea; Ecuador beat Germany 2-1.”
South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in their first three World Cup finals appearances – in 1998, 2002 and the most hurtful failure of 2010, when they became the first host nation to miss out on the knockout rounds. This time, with four points behind Group A winners Mexico, they will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday.
“It was a fantastic experience,” said South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos. “It was so tough today, but it was a good game. I think tactically we were very good and it was difficult for South Korea to find space. We scored, then there were 20 minutes of heart‑stopping moments. It’s historical, and I’m very happy for the guys. I’ve been working with them for five years.”
South Korea, who started with their talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, still have a chance of advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams. The same route was taken by Ecuador, who came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 in Group E. Goals from Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata secured the comeback victory, qualifying Ecuador as one of the top eight third-placed teams in the expanded 48-team World Cup.
For South Africa, the triumph has been met with unbridled joy and some relief. The former striker Marks Maponyane summed up the mood on Instagram: “It’s going to be a loooong day South Africa, but it i…”
The Bafana Bafana have finally matched the success of the Springboks and cricket team, but given football’s universal popularity in the country, this moment may feel bigger than any other since winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996.