JOHANNESBURG — The streets of South Africa came alive before dawn on Thursday, as jubilant fans poured out of their homes to celebrate a moment many had scarcely dared to imagine.
Car horns blared. Vuvuzelas rang out. In neighbourhoods from Soweto to the city centre, people danced in the dark, some still in their pyjamas, marking Bafana Bafana’s first-ever place in the World Cup knockout stage.
The breakthrough came after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over South Korea on Wednesday in Monterrey, Mexico, a result that defied expectations after South Africa’s opening defeat to co-hosts Mexico.
For many, sleep could wait.
“There were fireworks outside and the celebration went on for more than an hour after the game,” said Nandi Ntini, a resident of Soweto, who told AFP she had been woken by the noise.
In the narrow streets nearby, groups gathered to sing “Shosholoza”, a traditional chant often heard at sporting events, its message to push forward echoing the team’s unlikely journey.
“We are proudly South African, and this is our Cup. We have started it and we will finish it,” one supporter declared in footage shared by the national broadcaster, SABC.
Others draped in the country’s colours joined in, chanting and waving flags as dawn approached.
“We love and support Bafana Bafana,” said another fan, his voice rising above the hum of celebration.
The result marks South Africa’s return to the global stage, their first World Cup appearance since hosting the tournament in 2010. Progress to the knockout rounds had seemed a distant prospect after their early setback, but the team’s resilience has shifted the mood at home.
President Cyril Ramaphosa praised what he called an “inspired team performance”, urging unity as the country rallies behind the squad.
“We remain united and hopeful under our banner that declares: ‘One Nation. One dream. One goal,’” he wrote on social media.
For now, the celebrations show little sign of fading. Across the country, a single victory has given rise to something larger, a shared moment of pride, and a sense that, perhaps, the journey is only just beginning.
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