JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Stephen Eustaquio’s last-gasp goal gave Canada a hard-fought victory over South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32.
Jesse Marsch’s men will now face the winners of Holland-Morocco at the Houston Stadium.
Bafana Bafana produced some eye-catching moves in the first half at the Los Angeles Stadium but were let down by the final ball.
The Reds were denied twice in succession at kick-off, with Aubrey Modiba latching onto Moise Bombito’s header off the line before Ronwen Williams brilliantly blocked Tajon Buchanan.
Canada regained control after the restart. After Tani Oluwaseyi’s shot was excellently saved by Williams, Mbekezeli Mbokazi blocked it before the attacker could intercept the rebound.
A huge roar went up when Alphonso Davies was sent on in the 75th minute, and he threatened South Africa with his pace and trickery.
However, it was Eustaquio who decided the contest, intercepting a ball that bounced perfectly on the edge of the area and finding the bottom corner.
South Africa will return home with their heads held high, having reached the knockout stages for the first time ever
Both teams finished second in their respective groups with 4 points each. Canada from Group B scored 8 goals and conceded 3 in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia; spanking Qatar 6-0 and losing 1-2 to Switzerland.
South Africa also finished 2nd in Group A with 4 points, scoring only 2 goals but conceding 3. They lost to Mexico 0-2; played 1-1 with the Czech Republic and beat the Asian Tigers South Korea with a single goal.
So the bookmakers had given the match to Canada as the top scorer, but the South African defenders and their goalkeeper saved the Boys from possible corporal punishment on their return to Jo’Bourg to meet their wives and return to work as around 90% of them play in their local league.
The South African FA account will be credited with $11 million for playing in the R32 stage.
Three more African countries face Round of 32 matches: Morocco faces the Orange Boys of the Netherlands at 2am on Tuesday; The Elephants of Ivory Coast will test their strength against Norway on the same Tuesday at 18:00, while the Three Lions of England will try to consume the Whales of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday 1 July at 17:00.
