South Africa secured a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time in the nation's history after defeating South Korea 1-0 in a decisive Group A clash on Wednesday.
The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for Bafana Bafana, who had been written off by many after opening their campaign with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to group winners Mexico.
Competing at a World Cup for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, South Africa recovered from that setback with a hard-fought draw against the Czech Republic before overcoming South Korea in what effectively became a winner-takes-all encounter in Monterrey.
The breakthrough came in the 63rd minute when Thapelo Maseko calmly finished from close range after being set up by Tshepang Moremi.
The goal proved enough to send South Africa into the last 16 and spark celebrations among players and supporters.
Head coach Hugo Broos described the achievement as a historic moment for South African football.
"We scored that goal, and it was 20 minutes of heartbeating and hoping that the game would be finished as soon as possible," Broos said after the match.
"So yes, we are in the second round. It's historic. But I'm very happy for the guys. I've worked with them for five years, and what we have achieved in those five years is amazing."
South Korea made headlines before kick-off when coach Hong Myung-bo opted to leave captain Son Heung-min out of the starting line-up, despite the forward being regarded as one of Asia's greatest footballers.
The South Koreans started brightly and nearly took the lead when stand-in captain Kim Min-jae saw his powerful header cleared off the line by Aubrey Modiba. Lee Kang-in also went close early on.
South Africa gradually settled into the contest and created several opportunities. The best chance of the first half fell to Evidence Makgopa after South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu parried a shot from Thalente Mbatha. However, Makgopa was unable to convert from close range.
Son was introduced at the start of the second half as one of three tactical changes by Hong in an attempt to revive South Korea's campaign.
Both sides continued to create chances, with Maseko missing an opportunity before South Korean striker Oh Hyeon-gyu tested goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
With reports emerging that Mexico were leading the Czech Republic in the other Group A match, the urgency increased for both teams.
South Africa eventually found the breakthrough when Moremi delivered a precise cross that Maseko converted at the near post to hand Bafana Bafana a crucial lead.
South Korea pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but South Africa's defence held firm to secure a famous victory.
The result sees South Africa advance to the knockout phase, where they will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June.
Meanwhile, Mexico finished top of Group A with a perfect nine points after winning all three of their matches.
For South Africa, the qualification marks one of the greatest achievements in the history of the national team and a significant milestone under Broos' leadership.