South Africans took to the streets in celebration after Bafana Bafana secured their first-ever qualification for the World Cup knockout rounds with a shocking 1-0 win over South Korea.
Fans were in high spirits, honking vuvuzelas and singing in the streets of Soweto and Johannesburg. Many people were still in their pyjamas, having been woken up by the noise and celebrations.
President Cyril Ramaphosa took to social media to praise the team, saying their 'inspired team performance' was a testament to their hard work and dedication. The president's post read: 'We remain united and hopeful under our banner that declares: 'One Nation. One dream. One goal''.
The team's qualification is all the more remarkable considering their initial loss to co-hosts Mexico. However, they managed to bounce back and secure their spot in the knockout rounds.
Bafana Bafana's qualification is a significant moment for South African football fans, who have been eagerly waiting for this moment. Fans are now looking forward to seeing their team compete in the knockout stages.
Nandi Ntini, a resident of Soweto, told AFP that she was woken up by vuvuzelas and fireworks. 'There were fireworks outside and the celebration went on for more than an hour after the game,' she said.
As the news spreads, fans are taking to social media to share their reactions and celebrations. One fan, who was wearing a scarf in the colours of the South African flag, was seen chanting and singing in the street. Other social media posts showed women dancing in their dressing gowns in a Soweto street, singing 'Shosholoza', a Zulu chant meaning 'go forward' that South Africans often sing at sporting events.
The team's qualification is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Bafana Bafana will now face more challenging opponents in the knockout stages, but their fans are confident that they have what it takes to make it to the next round.
In related news, Nigeria has been watching the World Cup closely, and many Nigerian football fans are hoping that Bafana Bafana's success will inspire their own team.
The Nigerian angle is significant, as Nigeria has been a major player in African football for decades. The country has produced some of the continent's top players, and many Nigerians are hoping that their own team will follow in Bafana Bafana's footsteps.
For now, South African fans are basking in the glory of their team's historic qualification. They are eagerly looking forward to seeing their team compete in the knockout stages, and many are confident that they have what it takes to make it to the next round.