South Africa reaches World Cup knockouts
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Otaria Benjamin- 0
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South Africa’s 1-0 victory against South Korea comes despite a lack of widespread support from football fans across Africa. / AP
South Africa qualified for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after a 1-0 victory over South Korea in their Group A match on Thursday.
Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal in the second half at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. South Africa finished with four points from three matches, following a 2-0 loss to Mexico and a draw against the Czech Republic.
South Africa previously failed to advance beyond the group stage in their three World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002 and 2010. They were the first African country to host the tournament in 2010.
South Africa will face Canada, one of the 2026 World Cup co-hosts, in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Coach Hugo Broos said he was “very proud” of his team’s performance. He said the team had shown steady improvement throughout the tournament.
Morocco also qualified for the knockout stage after a 4-2 victory over Haiti. Côte d’Ivoire can secure a spot with a win or a draw in their final group match against Curaçao. Tunisia have been eliminated. Egypt, Ghana, Cabo Verde, DR Congo, Algeria and Senegal have not yet secured qualification.
SOURCE: AP
