Bafana Bafana suffered late heartbreak as they lost 1-0 to Canada, sinking to a 92nd-minute Stephen Eustáquio strike to bow out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday.
After frustrating the Canadians and the match seemingly headed for extra time, Bafana were booted out at the Round of 32 stage. Canada are now in the Last 16 of the global tournament. Bafana head home having made history by progressing past the group stage for the first time at this competition.
It was a day Canada became the first World Cup host to play a match outside their country. They won and will now play the Round of 32 winner between the Netherlands and Morocco.
Having served his suspension in the last group game against South Korea, Bafana central midfielder Teboho Mokoena was back in the starting line-up. He stepped in for Orlando Pirates linkman Thalente Mbatha.
After suffering a 2-1 defeat in their final Group B game against Switzerland, Canada coach Jesse Marsch rang some few changes. The Wisconsin-born tactician brought in centre-back Moise Bombito. Hull City midfielder Liam Millar, Eustaquio and forward Tani Oluwaseyi as he searched for a winning formula.
Captain and Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies was again on the bench. This was despite Marsch indicating that he was ready to start against South Africa. He came on in the second half.
With Bafana coach Hugo Broos having opted for an attacking approach, it was, however, Canada who had the most threats through set-pieces in the first half. But midway through the contest, Mokoena tested Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau with his trademark long-range shot, which was saved.
A minute going to halftime, Aubrey Modiba rescued Bafana with a goalline clearance off a Bombito header. Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams then made a save as the goalmouth scramble continued.
BAFANA BAFANA BLOW AWAY PROMISING SHOW TO NARROWLY LOSE
It was goalless at halftime, with South Africa central defender Ime Okon having the most touches than any other Bafana player in the first half. Struggling for a breakthrough, Broos, however, appeared to go defensive when he withdrew Relebohile Mofokeng for Mbatha at halftime.
Danger loomed in the 65th minute when Williams denied Oluwaseyi one-on-one. Mbekezeli Mbokazi then cleared as Juventus striker Jonathan David went for the rebound. After Mbatha had his shot over the bar, Canada substitute Promise David had an effort going just wide on 76 minute.
Appollis had a powerful shot being saved by Crepeau six minutes before full-time. But as the match seemed headed for a 0-0 draw, Eustaquio struck on 92 minutes to decide the contest and brutally send Bafana out of the tournament.
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