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A second-half strike from Thapelo Maseko proved decisive as Bafana Bafana pip South Korea 1-0 in Thursday’s final Group A clash in Mexico.
The win means South Africa have reached the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time since making their debut in 1998.
Hugo Broos men finished second behind co-hosts Mexico, who thrashed Czech Republic 3-0 in the other group fixture.
South Africa will now face Canada in the round of 32 on June 28.
South Korea started brightly and won an early corner, but South Africa defended the set-piece well.
The first real chance for Hugo Broos’ side arrived in the sixth minute when Relebohile Mofokeng unleashed a powerful left-footed volley that deflected behind for a corner.
Two minutes later, Kang-in Lee threatened for South Korea, narrowly missing the target after a dangerous attack.
Bafana Bafana nearly took the lead in the 13th minute when Evidence Makgopa rose highest inside the penalty area, only to send his free header wide.
Five minutes later, Thapelo Maseko found himself through on goal following a swift counterattack, but Lee Gi-hyuk produced a superb block to deny the winger.
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The chances kept coming. In the 30th minute, Maseko burst forward before setting up Thalente Mbatha, whose left-footed effort slipped through the goalkeeper’s hands. Makgopa reacted quickest to the rebound but fired straight at Kim Min-jae.
Maseko had another golden opportunity in the 38th minute but lifted his shot over the crossbar with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The winger continued to threaten after the break and saw another effort blocked from close range in the 50th minute.
The breakthrough finally came in the 62nd minute as substitute Moremi produced an excellent run before squaring the ball into the path of Maseko, who controlled calmly and fired a low finish into the bottom corner to hand South Africa a deserved 1-0 lead.
South Korea pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but South Africa defended resolutely to preserve their advantage and progress.
