Thapelo Maseko’s second-half strike gave South Africa a 1-0 win over South Korea in the World Cup, making him the standout player as Bafana Bafana claimed a gritty, unexpected victory. It was a result that defied the pre-match narrative, with the African side showing defensive resilience to hold off a Korean team expected to dominate.
South Africa 1:0 South Korea — Match Report
First half0 - 0
Second half1 - 0
- 46
- 73(Foul)
- 74
- 79(Foul)
Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORTQuestions & Answers
What was the final score of South Africa vs South Korea?
South Africa 1-0 South Korea (World Cup).
Who scored?
Thapelo Maseko (63', assist Tshepang Moremi) for South Africa.
Was South Africa's win deserved?
Not really — the opponent was the better side; South Africa won on finishing.
Were there any cards in South Africa vs South Korea?
Yellow cards: Aubrey Maphosa Modiba (South Africa); Gue-sung Cho (South Korea).
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Head to Head meetings
South Africa – South Korea
South Africa
South Korea
- 1
Victories
- 0
Draws
- 0
Victories
| label | first team | second team |
|---|---|---|
Victories |  1 | 0  |
Scored goals | 1 | 0 |
Average per game | 1 | 0 |
The biggest victory | 1-0 | 0 |
Form
South Africa
- 5Matches
- 8Goals
- 1.6Goal per game
- 3Wins
- 0Draws
- 2Losses
South Korea
- 5Matches
- 6Goals
- 1.2Goal per game
- 2Wins
- 1Draws
- 2Losses
Odds
| 1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 5.75 | 3.60 | 1.65 |
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◆ CheckLive verdict
Slight edge — South Korea
CheckLive's preview leans toward South Korea, powered by sharper recent form and a clear mental edge in high-stakes situations. South Africa's defensive organisation and set-piece threat keep them in the contest, but the visitors carry the stronger current rhythm.
Under 2.51.73
Medium confidence60%
Three CheckLive metrics
CheckForm
40.2
55.6
CheckSkill
55.6
56.8
CheckMental
33.5
67
CheckLive total51.6 vs 58.4+6.8South Africa: 45.8 + 5.8 for home advantage = 51.6
More match signals
Away win — South Korea64%1.65
South Korea (DNB)63%1.20
South Korea (−1)50%
Today's market odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will win between South Africa and South Korea?
South Korea are favoured to win, according to CheckLive's preview. Their recent form and superior mental resilience in high-stakes matches give them a clear edge over a South Africa side that has struggled to find wins lately.
Who has better form ahead of this match?
South Korea hold the stronger recent form. They have won three of their last five matches, while South Africa are winless in three. The visitors also score more freely, averaging 1.6 goals per game in that run.
Will both teams score in this World Cup qualifier?
Both teams have shown consistent scoring ability — South Korea netted eight in their last five, and South Africa have scored in four of their last five. However, the stakes may encourage caution early, so BTTS is possible but not certain.
Head to Head meetings
/
/
- 0
Victories
- 0
Draws
- 0
Victories
| label | first team | second team |
|---|---|---|
Victories |  0 | 0 |
Scored goals | 0 | 0 |
Average per game | 0 | 0 |
The biggest victory | 0 | 0 |
Odds
| 1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 5.75 | 3.60 | 1.65 |