MBABANE – EmaSwati sacrificed sleep at 3am today, celebrating on social media as South Africa’s Bafana Bafana historic victory sealed a World Cup knockout spot.
With kick-off at a brutal 3am Eswatini time, local football fanatics refused to miss the action. For a nation where seeing the local senior national team, Sihlangu Semnikati, reach a major global tournament remains a distant dream, local fans have passionately rallied behind their neighbours.
Hugo Broos’ men carry a heavy mantle as the sole representatives of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) in North America.
A massive talking point across local fan bases was the heavy presence of Orlando Pirates players in the starting line-up against South Korea. Pirates stars Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng and Evidence Makgopa all started the match.
The Soweto giants command a massive, fiercely loyal following here in Eswatini, making Bafana’s triumph feel incredibly close to home.
Finishing as group runners-up to a flawless Mexico with four points, South Africa now march into a blockbuster Last 32 clash against co-hosts Canada this Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 9pm.
Meanwhile, North African giants Morocco also kept the continent’s flag flying high, dismantling Haiti 4-2 in their crucial decider. The 2022 semi-finalists remain unbeaten, finishing joint top of their group with Brazil on seven points, trailing only on an inferior goal difference. The Atlas Lions are now heavily tipped to face the Netherlands in the next round. The Dutch control Group F and face an already eliminated Tunisia tomorrow morning, June 26, at 1am Eswatini time.
Beyond continental pride, the financial windfall of this success is staggering. By safely navigating their way into the Round of 32, both South Africa and Morocco have guaranteed themselves a cool US$ 11 million, which is a mouth-watering R181 million in the current exchange rate. For southern Africa, however, the spiritual reward of Bafana keeping the COSAFA dream alive is completely priceless.
South Africa’s Thapelo Maseko celebrates with teammates after scoring the decisive goal in the 1-0 win over South Korea in yesterday’s FIFA World Cup Group A match. (Pic: Reuters)