South Africa 1-0 Korea: Maseko Header Decides Tight Contest, Williams Stands Tall
South Africa edged Korea 1-0 thanks to a 63rd-minute header from T. Maseko, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams earning Man of the Match. Mexico tops Group A with a perfect record, South Africa sits second on 4 points, and Korea third on 3.
South Africa secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Korea in the final Group A match at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Guadalupe, on June 25, 2026. The result lifted Bafana Bafana to second place in the group with 4 points, booking their spot in the Round of 16. Korea, despite dominating possession, could not find a way past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
The first half was a tactical battle with few clear chances. Korea controlled 68% of the ball, but South Africa's disciplined defense kept them at bay. The teams went into the break level at 0-0.
The deadlock was broken in the 63rd minute when T. Moremi delivered a cross into the box, and T. Maseko rose highest to head the ball into the net. It was Maseko's first goal of the tournament and proved to be the winner.
Korea pushed for an equalizer, registering 8 shots overall with 3 on target, but Williams was equal to every effort. The South African goalkeeper made 2 saves and earned a match rating of 7.9.
Statistically, South Africa had 13 total shots (4 on goal) compared to Korea's 8 (3 on goal). Korea dominated possession (68% to 32%) and corners (6 to 4), but South Africa held a slight edge in expected goals (1.10 to 1.00). Korea completed 720 passes at 89% accuracy, while South Africa managed 339 passes at 82%.
Man of the Match Ronwen Williams, the 33-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper from Cape Town, played the full 90 minutes, making 2 saves and completing 38 passes. His composure and shot-stopping were instrumental in keeping a clean sheet.
Final Group A standings: Mexico top with 9 points (3 wins), South Africa second with 4 points (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss), Korea third with 3 points (1 win, 2 losses), and Czech Republic bottom with 1 point. South Africa advanced on goal difference.
This victory sends South Africa to the knockout stage as group runners-up, where they will face the winner of Group B. Korea, meanwhile, exit the tournament with just one win, scoring 2 goals and conceding 3.
South Africa's Round of 16 opponent will be determined later. Despite their elimination, Korea showed resilience and competitive spirit throughout the group stage.
For more details, visit the match page, or explore the South Africa and Korea team pages.