South Africa and South Korea are set for a high-stakes showdown with qualification to the next stage hanging in the balance. Bafana Bafana must claim all three points to keep their tournament hopes alive, while the Taeguk Warriors know that a draw will be enough to seal their place in the knockout rounds.
South Africa line up with Ronwen Williams in goal behind a back four of Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba. Thalente Mbatha and Yaya Sithole anchor the midfield, while Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis provide support for lone striker Evidence Makgopa.
South Korea, meanwhile, start with Seung-Gyu Kim in goal. The defence features Gi-Hyuk Lee, captain Kim Min-jae and Han-Beom Lee. In-Beom Hwang and Seung-Ho Paik marshal the midfield, with Tae-Seok Lee, Hee-Chan Hwang, Kang-In Lee and Young-Woo Seol operating behind central forward Hyeon-Gyu Oh.
With contrasting objectives, South Africa will be forced to take the initiative from the first whistle, while South Korea can afford a more measured approach as they seek the point that would secure progression.
