South Africa’s World Cup journey ended on Sunday after a 1-0 defeat to Canada in the Round of 32, with Stephen Eustaquio scoring a stoppage-time winner in Los Angeles.
It was the first knockout match of the tournament and a historic night for Canada, who reached the last 16 for the first time ever.
Bafana Bafana, also making their debut in the knockout phase, bowed out at the first hurdle.
Both teams created chances in a tense cagey contest that looked destined for extra time.
Canada pressed early, with Derek Cornelius missing a free header from Eustaquio’s delivery in the 22nd minute.
South Africa responded on the counter but struggled to break down Canada’s defense.
Just before half-time, Canada came close twice. Moise Bombito’s header was cleared off the line and Tajon Buchanan’s follow-up was saved by Ronwen Williams.
South Africa had penalty appeals waved away after Khuliso Mudau’s challenge on Richie Laryea, a decision that drew loud protests from the largely Canadian crowd.
The second half slowed down as South Africa played deep and safe, while Canada pushed again in the 60th minute when Niko Sigur set up Tani Oluwaseyi, but Mbekezeli Mbokazi made a vital clearance before Jonathan David could tap in.
Alphonso Davies finally made his first appearance of the tournament in the 75th minute and had an instant impact teeing up Jonathan David and later Promise David, though both efforts missed the target, while Williams also denied Jonathan David from a tight angle late on.
The breakthrough came in the second minute of added time as Jacob Shaffelburg’s cross from the right was headed clear to Eustaquio, who controlled and fired a first-time shot into the bottom corner.
The Canada bench flooded the pitch as the stadium erupted; Canada will now meet either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on July 4.
For South Africa, the loss ends a first-ever knockout campaign at the World Cup.
