South Africa’s 2002 World Cup campaign remains the most painful chapter in Bafana Bafana’s history. They came so close to the knockout stages – and were denied in the cruelest possible fashion.
The road to Japan and South Korea was already turbulent before a ball was kicked.
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Carlos Queiroz had guided Bafana through qualification but resigned in March 2002 – just two months before the tournament – following a breakdown in his relationship with SAFA officials. Jomo Sono, the legendary South African football figure, stepped in as caretaker coach with little time to prepare.
South Africa were drawn in Group B alongside Spain, Paraguay and debutants Slovenia.
Paraguay 2-2 South Africa – Busan, 2 June
Bafana looked dead and buried after Roque Santa Cruz and Francisco Arce put Paraguay 2-0 up. But they fought back superbly. Teboho Mokoena pulled one back before Quinton Fortune converted a late penalty to earn a crucial point. A stunning comeback that announced Bafana to the tournament.
South Africa 1-0 Slovenia – Daegu, 8 June
Bafana’s finest World Cup victory. Siyabonga Nomvethe scored the only goal to give South Africa their first ever World Cup win – a result that put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages heading into the final group game.
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Spain 3-2 South Africa – Daejeon, 12 June
South Africa gave quarter-finalists Spain an almighty scare before losing 3-2. Benni McCarthy and Lucas Radebe scored for Bafana but it was not enough. The result left them level on four points with Paraguay – but the South Americans had scored six goals to South Africa’s five. Eliminated on goals scored. A single goal separated Bafana Bafana from the Round of 16.
It was an exit that haunted South African football for years. Lucas Radebe captained with distinction. Benni McCarthy, Quinton Fortune and Siyabonga Nomvethe were the standout performers. The squad that came so close was gradually dismantled and a long decline followed.
Twenty-four years later, Bafana get another chance. This time at the Estadio Azteca on 11 June.
Photo: Ben Radford/Getty Images
