By Our Correspondent

National News – Canada secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over South Africa in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash on Sunday, scoring deep into stoppage time to end Bafana Bafana’s historic campaign.

Stephen Eustaquio struck the decisive goal in injury time, just moments before the match was set to head into extra time, sending the Canadians into the next round while breaking South African hearts in Los Angeles.

The encounter marked a historic milestone, as it was the first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout match for both nations.

South Africa produced a resilient performance and looked set to force extra time before conceding the late winner.

Despite the defeat, Bafana Bafana were part of a record-breaking tournament for African teams. Nine African nations advanced to the Round of 32, with only Tunisia failing to progress beyond the group stage.

The tournament has also witnessed several continental milestones, including Cape Verde becoming the smallest nation by population and the first World Cup debutant since 2010 to qualify for the knockout stage.

VAR controversy

The match was not without controversy after Canada were denied what many believed should have been a first-half penalty.

Former elite referee Andy Davies, analysing the incident, argued that South Africa defender Khuliso Mudau committed a clumsy challenge on Canada’s Richie Laryea inside the penalty area during first-half stoppage time.

According to Davies, the defender made contact from behind before both players became entangled, and the minimal touch on the ball should not have prevented a penalty from being awarded.

However, referee João Pedro Silva Pinheiro waved away Canada’s appeals, while the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Carlos del Cerro Grande, did not recommend an on-field review.

Davies described the decision as incorrect, insisting Canada should have been awarded a spot-kick.

The victory sends Canada into the Round of 16, while South Africa bow out after a spirited and historic World Cup campaign.