JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
South Africa captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams says Bafana Bafana can leave the 2026 FIFA World Cup with their heads held high despite suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.
South Africa’s impressive trip to the World Cup came to a cruel end Sunday at Los Angeles Stadium after Stephen Eustaquio scored a dramatic injury-time winner to send Canada to the round of 16 for the first time in the nation’s history.
Bafana Bafana had a difficult start to the tournament, losing their first group match to Mexico, but responded with notable resilience.
A hard-fought draw against the Czech Republic kept their hopes alive before a crucial victory over South Korea secured qualification for the last 16.
Their determined performances won praise across the football world as Hugo Broos’ young team overcame adversity to reach the round of 32.
However, their dream ended in heartbreaking fashion when Eustaquio scored in the second minute of added time to seal Canada’s historic victory.
The close match seemed destined for overtime, with both teams canceling each other out for much of the game.
Canada came closest earlier through Moïse Bombito, whose powerful header was brilliantly cleared off the line, before Eustaquio finally broke the deadlock with a superb low shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Despite the painful defeat, Williams expressed immense pride in his teammates and the progress made by the team throughout the competition.
“I’m very proud of the boys showing our quality. We wanted to come here and compete. We can leave here with our heads held high,” Williams told ITV after the match.
“Proud of the boys. The effort, the fight, the character. We keep fighting.”
“We didn’t have the best start to the tournament. Our backs were against the wall, but to come out today and show our work we can only be proud.”
“It’s a very young team. These are good lessons for them going forward, but we can be proud.”
The South African captain also paid an emotional tribute to coach Hugo Broos, whose future remains uncertain after the tournament.
“It’s sad to go out like that, but I know he’ll be proud. I watched his team compete. The resilience, the faith, that’s what he’s instilled in us from day one,” Williams said.
“Even when we had so many skeptics, he always believed in me. What he has done for South African football, we can only thank him for giving us faith and hope. He inspired a nation. If this is his last job, he can walk away with his head held high. Incredible.”
Canada’s victory continues its fairytale campaign at home.
After losing all six of their previous FIFA World Cup matches ahead of the expanded 2026 tournament, the co-hosts have now reached the last 16 for the first time and will face the winner of the clash between Morocco and the Netherlands.
