South Korea Told Not To Underestimate Bafana - 'No Underdogs'

South Korea have been warned against underestimating the threat posed by South Africa, with former Nigeria international Henry Makinwa insisting there are no underdogs at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and that "anything can still happen."

It has been a difficult start to the tournament for Bafana Bafana, but their hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia ensured their World Cup campaign remains alive heading into the final round of Group A fixtures.

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Hugo Broos' side still have a realistic chance of reaching the Round of 32, but they will need to defeat South Korea in their final group-stage encounter to keep those ambitions alive.

A victory would put South Africa in a strong position to either secure automatic qualification from Group A or advance as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams. However, anything less than three points would bring their World Cup journey to an end.

With everything on the line, Makinwa believes the encounter will be decisive for Bafana's future at the global showpiece.

"The match against South Korea will determine South Africa's fate," the one-time Romanian champion said in an interview with Footy Africa.

"In the World Cup, there are no underdogs, and anything can still happen."

Broos came under heavy scrutiny following South Africa's disappointing opening defeat to Mexico, with many questioning the decision to deploy a three-man defence and alter the team's usual style of play.

Against Czechia, however, Bafana returned to a more familiar setup and produced a much-improved display.

Reflecting on the tactical shift, Makinwa believes the changes played a major role in South Africa's improved performance.

"South Africa were not tactically sound against Mexico," Makinwa told Footy Africa.

"There was a change in their identity and style of play. Using three centre-backs against Mexico was a departure from South Africa's traditional approach.

"Against Czechia, they returned to a 4-3-3 formation, which is their traditional system. They showed energy, determination and a strong desire to win because they knew they needed a positive result to keep their hopes of qualification alive. It was a good result against Czechia."

With Broos' future as Bafana boss uncertain amid South Africa's mixed World Cup campaign, Makinwa believes the Belgian should not be judged solely on the team's performances in North America.

Instead, the former striker pointed to the progress Bafana have made under the veteran coach over the past few years.

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Speaking about Broos' future, Makinwa threw his support behind the Bafana boss.

"The decision on whether the coach stays should not be based solely on their performance at the World Cup.

"He qualified South Africa from a group that included Nigeria. In my opinion, he has made the team much stronger.

"South Africa are now a force to be reckoned with in African football, and Hugo Broos deserves a lot of credit for that."