South Korea were the clear pre-match favourites and ultimately justified that billing, though they needed a spirited second-half display to overturn a surprise South African lead. Bafana Bafana, shorn of the suspended Teboho Mokoena and Ime Okon, set up in a disciplined 4-4-2 mid-block and caught Korea cold on the counter. Oswin Appollis burst down the right flank in the 34th minute, cut inside past Cho Yu-min and rolled a low cross to Lyle Foster, who swept home first-time from eight yards — a deserved reward for RSA's compact, energetic first half. Korea had the lion's share of possession but lacked the final-third incision to break down South Africa's organised shape before the break. Hugo Broos's side looked set to hold on, but the introduction of Yang Hyun-jun at half-time changed the game's texture. Lee Kang-in began to find pockets between the lines and, in the 55th minute, threaded a perfectly-weighted through-ball for Son Heung-min, who held off Nkosinathi Sibisi and finished low past Ronwen Williams. Korea pressed for a winner with growing confidence, and it arrived in the 78th minute: Yang Hyun-jun skinned Bradley Cross on the left and squared for Hwang Hee-chan, who drilled a clinical low finish into the far corner. South Africa threw bodies forward in the closing minutes but could not find the leveller, and Korea secured a winning start to Group A.

• Son Heung-min's equaliser was his 52nd international goal — a new all-time KFA record.
• South Africa's high press won the ball for Foster's opener but faded badly after half-time.
• Lee Kang-in registered an assist and created 5 chances — the most of any player on the pitch.
• KOR dominated second-half possession (68%) as RSA dropped into a deep 5-4-1 block.
• Ronwen Williams made 6 saves to keep the scoreline respectable for Bafana Bafana.
• RSA's two key suspensions (Mokoena, Okon) left a visible gap in midfield solidity.