Canada breaks South African resistance in stoppage time to reach World Cup last 16 for the first time

South Africa deployed a deep defensive block and repeatedly slowed the game down, frustrating Canada and the crowd at SoFi Stadium. For over 90 minutes, Bafana Bafana absorbed pressure, cleared off the line and relied on goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to keep the scores level.

Canada dominated possession and generated the better chances. A 44th-minute scramble saw three shots blocked or saved, and a penalty appeal just before half-time was dismissed after a VAR check. The statistical picture of the opening period told the story.

The second half followed a similar pattern until Canada raised the tempo in the final 20 minutes. Substitute Tani Oluwaseyi was denied by Williams in the 65th minute, and the crowd erupted when Alphonso Davies finally made his tournament debut in the 75th. The Bayern Munich left-back’s entrance immediately stirred the home side, yet the goal remained elusive.

South Africa’s time-wasting continued to test the crowd’s patience as Williams exchanged passes with his defenders. Canada pressed hard and, with extra time looming, won possession in midfield. The ball fell to Eustáquio on the edge of the area, and the former Porto midfielder controlled with his chest before rifling a low shot into the net.

The goal, Canada’s first of the knockout stage, sealed a 1-0 victory and a place in the last 16. The co-hosts will next face either the Netherlands or Morocco.