Is South Africa (hereinafter South Africa) the easy win Hong Myung-bo's team can take?
The South Korean national team led by coach Hong Myung-bo will compete in Group A of the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup with host Mexico, South Africa, and the winner of UEFA qualifying Group D. Drawn in pot 1, they face host Mexico and avoid a strong European power. South Korea's first World Cup opponent will be one of Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic or Ireland.
Many people point to South Africa as the 'easy win' Korea must take. Mexico is a concern because of the host advantage. Korea has traditionally been weak against European teams. At least South Africa seems like an opponent they can handle.
But underestimating an African team can lead to big trouble. South Africa's strength was by no means negligible.
South Africa beat Angola 2-1 in the first match of Group B in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held on the 23rd, extending an unbeaten run to 12 matches (6 wins, 6 draws). Coached by Hugo Broos, South Africa is considered a strong title contender.
From the early stages both teams engaged in fierce exchanges. South Africa's Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring with a long-range shot. South Africa broke the deadlock. In the 21st minute of the first half, Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates) cut into the penalty area from the right and scored with a powerful right-footed shot to take the lead.
The lead did not last long. Angola countered by actively using set pieces from Freddy. Just before the end of the first half, Show scored an equalizer with a sensitive diving shot from a free kick situation. It was a meaningful goal, coming in his 50th international appearance.
At the start of the second half South Africa intensified their attack. Substitute Chipaeng Moremi struck the net. After a video review, the goal was disallowed when Ryle Foster's offside involvement was confirmed. After that, South Africa's onslaught continued, with Ngbekezezi Nmbokazi's powerful shot hitting the crossbar, among others.
In the end the match was decided by Ryle Foster (Burnley). In the 34th minute of the second half Foster received a pass from Moremi and scored with a skillful curled shot. Foster, who plays for Burnley, recorded a goal and an assist and emerged as South Korea's top player to watch.
Coach Hong Myung-bo once evaluated Algeria as an easy win opponent for the second match at the 2014 Brazil World Cup. But his plans were completely derailed when Algeria routed them 4-2, a painful experience. Son Heung-min scored one goal, but the defense was repeatedly breached by Algeria's onslaught.
At the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup, South Korea will play their third group match against South Africa. The fate of qualifying for the round of 32 will be decided by the match against South Africa.
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