South Africa celebrated a first World Cup knockout qualification with jubilant scenes on Wednesday after Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over South Korea.
Maseko fired into the bottom corner in the 63rd minute to put South Africa, who will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on June 28, on four points behind Group A winners Mexico, who beat the Czech Republic 3-0.
South Korea, who started with talisman Son Heung-min on the bench, have three points. They still have a chance of advancing as one of the best third-placed teams.
South Africa had failed to advance from the group stage in their first three World Cup appearances in 1998, 2002, and 2010.
South Korea, who enjoyed most of the possession but lacked a cutting edge and inspiration, made the brighter start when Kim Min-jae’s header was cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba after two minutes, before Lee Kang-in fired over from inside the penalty area shortly afterwards.
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South Africa gradually grew into the contest and nearly struck in the 19th minute when Maseko raced onto a through ball, only for Lee Gi-hyuk to produce a superb last-ditch tackle.
Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu then made an excellent double save, first denying Thalente Mbatha before smothering Evidence Makgopa’s follow-up effort.
After soaking up the early pressure against a South Korea side that struggled to create clear openings, even with captain Son coming on at halftime, South Africa deservedly found the breakthrough.
Moremi slipped a precise pass into Maseko, who shifted the ball onto his left foot before drilling a low finish into the bottom right-hand corner to send his side into the last 32.
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