South Africa are through to the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time in their history.
A second-half strike from Thapelo Maseko secured a tense 1-0 victory over Korea Republic in Group A. The win sends Bafana Bafana into the Round of 16 as group runners-up.
It was a cagey affair at Monterrey Stadium, with both sides desperate to avoid elimination. But it was South Africa who held their nerve when it mattered most.
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The Koreans dominated possession after the break, with coach Hong Myungbo introducing captain Son Heungmin to spark a response. Yet the tactical gamble backfired.
Against the run of play, substitute Teshpang Moremi drove down the left wing, beat his marker, and fired a low ball across the penalty area. Maseko took a touch, shifted to his left foot, and calmly slotted home at the near post.
South Africa had earlier missed golden chances. Evidence Makgopa was denied from point-blank range by goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu, who also parried a long-range effort from Thalente Mbatha.
Despite a pro-Korean crowd in Monterrey, the South Africans started brightly. Maseko nearly broke through early on but was stopped at the last moment by defender Lee Gihyuk.
The win marks a historic milestone for Bafana Bafana. They will now travel to Los Angeles to face Canada, runners-up in Group B, on 28 June.
For South Africa, the dream continues. For Korea Republic of Korea, a promising campaign ends in heartbreak.