On Davies’ return: Canada scores lucky shot against South Africa

Co-organizer of the round of 16

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Canada reached the round of 16 of the World Cup on home soil. In the acclaimed return of previously ill Bayern professional Alphonso Davies, the North Americans won 1-0 against South Africa with a late goal at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. LAFC’s Stephen Eustaquio redeemed the Canadians and coach Jesse Marsch with his goal in the second minute of added time

Davies came on as a substitute in the 75th minute at the Los Angeles Stadium, making his first appearance for Canada since March 2025. At that time, he tore his cruciate ligaments in the same stadium. Canadian fans among the 69,237 spectators applauded accordingly.

After success in a World Cup co-host’s first away match – Canada played all group matches in Toronto and Vancouver – former Bundesliga coach Marsch’s team will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in the round of 16 in Houston on July 4. South Africa bids farewell to the XXL World Cup with the best performance in its history. The country has never progressed beyond the group stage.

On the (Site notre bureau spécialisé) side, the round of 16 first leg of the tournament was not a treat. Canada was the dominant team in the first half, even without Davies, but could do nothing with the few chances they had. The best went to Derek Cornelius, Moses Bombito and Tajon Buchanan.

Cornelius’ weak header from a free kick in the 22nd minute was denied by South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. Bombito, who was one of four new players in the starting lineup, beat Williams after a corner, but the ball was cleared before the line. Buchanan missed the rest (44th).

South Africa, on the other hand, were so unimaginative and cautious in possession that the Southern California crowd lost patience from the start and booed the team. Two goals were enough for South Africa to survive the group stage, but against Canada, Bafana Bafana posed no goal threat for long.

Every time he approached the Canadian penalty area, the South African players got lost and missed the moment to finish. It took 62 minutes before the first dangerous shot on goal. However, Oswin Appollis missed the ball from around 18 yards. Canada still had the best chances. In the 65th minute, Tani Oluwaseyi ran towards Williams and Mbekezeli Mbokazi cleared the ball blocked at the last second by the onrushing Jonathan David. Shortly after the replacement of Davies, the Canadians had another opportunity, but Promise David’s shot after the preparation of the Bayern professional missed the goal (76th).

With everything pointing to overtime, Eustaquio saved the Canadians with a well-placed low shot in the corner. It was practically a home game for the 29-year-old, as he plays for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.