South Africa 1-0 South Korea Player Ratings - Bafana Players Rated as Mofokeng Excels

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 4 hours ago

John Eastwood 4 hours ago

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South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Maseko scored the winning goal; Mofokeng named Man of the Match.
Strong defensive display with standout performances from Mbokazi and Sithole.

Rele Mofokeng and Thapelo Maseko excelled for South Africa against South Korea (Getty Images).

South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 on Thursday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Below are the player ratings for the Bafana Bafana starting XI and subs.

STARTING XI:

Ronwen Williams: 7

The goalkeeper did not have to make many saves in the match. He was very solid under the high ball and the two stops he had to make were important.

Khuliso Mudau: 6

The right back kept his flank very quiet. South Korea did not threaten much as Mudau defended excellently.

Ime Okon: 7

The centre-back had his best match of the tournament. He was more positive with his passing and very solid when it came to box defending.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi: 8

The left-footed centre back was outstanding. He dominated the ground and aerial duels and passed the ball effectively. Many big clubs must be taking notice.

Aubrey Modiba: 7

The left back looked more like himself. Although he was overloaded in the first half, he held firm defensively.

Sphephelo Sithole: 8

The midfielder put his Mexico disaster-class behind him. This was an excellent defensive display, but it was his fine passing and ball-handling which really stood out.

Thalente Mbatha: 6

The midfielder gave a steady display alongside Sithole. His first-half shot drew a save from the South Korea goalkeeper.

Thapelo Maseko: 8

The winger scored the winning goal and was a constant weapon. South Korea could not deal with his pace on the counter attack.

Rele Mofokeng: 8 - Man of the Match

The youngster knitted the team together from the number ten role. He was key in most of the dangerous counters and helped Bafana play on the front foot.

Oswin Appollis: 6

The winger had a mixed game. He was not that strong defensively and did not impact the match going forward.

Evidence Makgopa: 7

The striker gave Bafana Bafana a focal point. He was strong in the air and also useful with his back to goal.

SUBSTITUTES:

Tshephang Moremi: 7

The winger came on and assisted the winner almost immediately. It was a fine impact, and he could be in the discussion to start against Canada.

Iqraam Rayners: 6

The striker was used as a right winger. He defended well, but had zero impact in attacking areas.

Jayden Adams: 6

The midfielder replaced Mofokeng for the final part of the game. He struggled to get on the ball, to take the string out of the game at 1-0 up.