Decided at the eleventh hour! Canada breaks South Africa's heroic resistance in injury time

The opening whistle saw Canadian footballers immediately pressuring their opponents' build-up play with a high press. However, South Africa created the first significant chance in the sixth minute when Mokoena, after a pass from Mofokeng, tested Canadian goalkeeper Crépeau with a first-time shot. The game then flowed from end to end, marked by several inaccuracies in transition, making it difficult for either team to assert dominance. The North American side could have opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, but Cornelius's header from close range went straight into the reliable hands of goalkeeper Williams. The most excitement of the first half came in the final minutes before the break. In the 44th minute, Bombito headed from a corner kick, with Modiba heroically clearing the ball off the goal line, and South African captain Williams then made a fantastic save from Buchanan's subsequent rebound. Immediately after, the Canadian camp appealed for a penalty after Laryea went down, but the referee, after consulting VAR, did not stop play, sending both teams into the locker rooms with the score still goalless.

The second half began cautiously, with the African team seemingly more content with the goalless draw, focusing primarily on a compact defensive block behind the ball. The match came alive after an hour of play when Canadian coach Marsch revitalized the offense with substitutions, bringing on fresh players, including star Alphonso Davies. In the 65th minute, Oluwaseyi had a golden opportunity after being sent through by substitute Sigur, but goalkeeper Williams once again saved his team, with Mbokazi eventually clearing the ball from the open goal to safety. The Canadian team's pressure, which dominated in terms of shots, significantly intensified with Davies' arrival. The active David posed a particular threat but lacked composure in front of goal. South Africa only threatened again in the 85th minute with a dangerous shot from Appollis from the edge of the box, which Crépeau dealt with in two attempts. Just when it seemed the tactical battle would end in a goalless draw, the North American players struck in the second minute of added time. Captain Stephen Eustáquio decided the fate of the match, breaking the South African defense's resistance with a precise strike, securing a hard-fought but deserved victory for Canada.