Thapelo Maseko’s second-half goal lifted South Africa to a must-win 1-0 result against South Korea in their Group A finale in Guadalupe, Mexico, on Wednesday, sending Bafana Bafana to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Maseko put South Africa in front in the 63rd minute with a clinical finish, burying a shot from his favored left foot to the right corner after a precision pass by Tshepang Moremi. Ronwen Williams preserved the lead with a save on Park Jin-seob’s header in the third minute of second-half stoppage time.

MONTERREY, Mexico — South Korea will close out their Group A play at the FIFA World Cup against South Africa this week in northeastern Mexico, with...

South Korea will close out their Group A play at the FIFA World Cup against South Africa this week in northeastern Mexico, with a spot in the knockout phase at