Bafana skipper hails young defensive duo after famous win

Bafana secured a historic 1-0 victory thanks to Thapelo Maseko's second-half winner, booking their place in the knockout phase for the first time. 

Reflecting on the achievement, where they will now face co-host Canada on Sunday, Williams reserved special praise for the two defenders, both in their early 20s, for standing firm against experienced opposition on the biggest stage.

"I don't know if there's a better word than proud. I'm super proud of the boys after what this team has been through, with all the doubters and all the stress we've gone through at this elite level is not easy. 

"To keep a clean sheet against such quality opposition and to defend the way we did speaks volumes about the character of this team. I'm scared for the future of this country, these boys are 21, 20 or 19 years old playing at this level. The experience they are gaining will only help us as a country."

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The performance against South Korea was a masterclass compared to the previous two matches in which Williams conceded in the ninth and sixth minute respectively.