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Thapelo Maseko Etches His Name Into South African Football Folklore

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Thapelo Maseko of South Africa challenged by Castrop Jens of South Korea during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between South Africa and South Korea at the Monterrey Stadium, Mexico on 24 June 2026 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Take a bow, Thapelo Maseko! The winger etched his name into South African football history by scoring the decisive goal that sent Bafana Bafana into the World Cup knockout stages for the first time ever.

READ: Bafana Bafana Make History After Edging Korea To Reach Last 32

Maseko netted the winning goal to fire Bafana to a narrow 1-0 victory over Korea Republic in their final Group A clash at the Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe.

The win sees South Africa finish in second place in Group A, which sees them qualify for the knockout stages for the first time in the country’s history.

Hugo Broos’ men will now take on Canada in the Round of 32 when they meet at the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday.

WATCH: Thapelo Maseko’s goal against Korea Republic