Bafana Bafana winger Thapelo Maseko has reacted to his team qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32, clapping back at those he perceives as naysayers for doubting the team’s capabilities.
Bafana Bafana edged South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey, in their final Group A match on Thursday, to proceed to the knockout round of the World Cup for the first time. Maseko was the star of the show with a 63rd-minute strike which sent the 1996 African champions through.
It was a crucial set of maximum points which lifted South Africa from the bottom of Group A to second spot and automatic passage to the next stage of the competition. Thursday’s win ended a period of uncertainty about Bafana’s fate in North America after they lost their tournament opener 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico, before drawing 1-1 with the Czech Republic.
Hugo Broos’ men now meet another co-host, Canada, at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday. Now heading to the home of Hollywood to face the Canadians, Bafana will be hoping to replicate the performance they delivered against South Korea and extend their campaign.
THAPELO MASEKO REFLECTS ON BAFANA FLIPPING THE SCRIPT TO REACH WORLD CUP LAST 32
The Mamelodi Sundowns star could not hide his elation after Bafana secured their spot in the next round. Reflecting on the team’s turnaround after a shaky start to the tournament, Maseko addressed the immense pressure and criticism they faced earlier on.
“It’s unbelievable, it feels like a dream. But credit to the gents, credit to everyone today, to the fans, they gave it their all,” said Maseko after the South Korea match.
“This win is just for those who supported us and for those who didn’t support us too, because honestly, they said we have seven percent chances of getting out of this group, and yet here we are
“So, we are thankful to everyone, the support back home, South Africans, and yeah, we keep going. We have had a couple of rough patches, from the first game, the media was bashing us all over, the memes, we were trending.
“But this team showed that they are capable and strong. They have some [strong] mentality in them. Thank you and enjoy.”
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