Bafana’s Last Stand in Monterrey

South Africa’s World Cup dream teeters on the edge, but Hugo Broos’ men refuse to bow out quietly. Only victory against South Korea will keep Bafana Bafana’s hopes alive, as the nation rallies behind a team determined to carve its name into history.

By LINDA XIMBA

Lere Mofokeng is one of the trump cards that can change the fortunes of Bafana Bafana in the last group A game against the hard-running and tactically astute South Korea

Bafana Bafana head into their final Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against South Korea knowing that only a victory will keep their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 alive.

A win would take South Africa to four points and strengthen their chances of qualifying as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Bafana coach Hugo Broos has compared the South Koreans to Duracell batteries ahead of the crucial encounter in Monterrey, which kicks off at 3am South African time on Thursday.

South Africa have collected just one point from their opening two matches and must beat the Asian side to stand any chance of advancing.

The encouraging 1-1 draw against Czechia has renewed belief that this generation of Bafana players can make history by becoming the first South African team to progress beyond the group stage of a FIFA World Cup. In the country's previous three appearances at the tournament, they failed to advance.

As they prepare for their biggest match of the campaign, Broos admitted his side will need to be at their very best.

“Sorry to make an expression like this, but they are like Duracell batteries. You switch them on and they run for 90 minutes. It will not be easy,” said the Belgian.

“South Korea are somewhere in between Mexico and Czechia. They are a very disciplined team. Eastern teams are always disciplined. We must be switched on from the first minute.”

With midfielder Tebogo Mokoena suspended after scoring in the draw against Czechia, Broos is expected to turn to either Thalente Mbatha or Jayden Adams to fill the holding midfield role.

The coach could also hand exciting youngster Relebohile Mofokeng a starting berth after his lively cameo off the bench against Czechia.

Having finally got off the mark and restored confidence among South African supporters, Broos and his players now face one final hurdle, which is overcoming a dangerous South Korean side. The Koreans come into the clash wounded after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mexico, a result caused by a costly defensive mistake.

The Quest profiles four South Korean players Bafana Bafana must keep a close eye on.

Son Heung-min (Los Angeles FC)

Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in South Korean football history, Son possesses blistering pace and an eye for goal. Whether operating out wide or through the middle, he remains a constant threat. Ronwen Williams and his defence will need to remain alert throughout the match.

Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich)

The commanding centre-back became Bayern Munich's most expensive defensive signing when he joined the German giants for €50 million. Strong in the air and difficult to dribble past, Kim will pose a major challenge for South Africa's attackers.

Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord)

Hwang has been one of South Korea’s standout performers at the tournament. He inspired his side’s comeback victory over Czechia with a superb goal and showcased his composure under pressure while surrounded by defenders inside the penalty area.

Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Nicknamed “The Bull” for his physical and aggressive style of play, Hwang will test Bafana’s young defensive pairing of TLB Mbokazi and Ime Okon. Although he has yet to make a major impact at the tournament after coming off the bench in both matches, he remains a player capable of producing a decisive moment when his country needs it most. TQ

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