AFCON 2025
Canada made history at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, edging South Africa 1-0 to reach the World Cup round of 16 for the first time in its history.
Stephen Eustáquio struck the decisive blow deep into stoppage time. Eustáquio buried his shot after a headed clearance fell right in front of him at the top of the penalty box, sending Canada through with a 92nd-minute winner.
Captain Alphonso Davies added an emotional subplot to the win. He made his tournament debut after missing the entire group stage with a hamstring injury, and his return immediately gave Jesse Marsch’s side a lift.
Both teams progressed into the knockout round for the first time and were going to continue their historic run into the last sixteen.
However, it was the Reds who cinched the sole ticket at the magnificent Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, Los Angeles.
The match stayed locked at 0-0 for long stretches, with both sides cautious in front of goal.
Canada created a better early chance when Derek Cornelius headed a free kick just wide of the post. Still, goalkeeper Ronwen Williams kept South Africa level by smothering the rebound before it could cross the line.
The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper kept the Bafana Bafana in the tie making a series of saves before the late goal went in.
South Africa, which had stunned South Korea to reach the knockouts in the first place, could not find the same magic against the co-hosts and exited the tournament at the round of 32 stage.
It still marks the country’s deepest World Cup run, eclipsing their previous appearances.
Canada now advances to face the winner of Monday’s clash between Morocco and the Netherlands, with that round of 16 tie set for July 4 in Houston.
