Overview
- Japan won the round-of-32 tie in Doha, with goals from Hiroto Asada (48'), Minato Yoshida (~59') and Shota Fujii (72') sending them to the last 16.
- South Africa held Japan goalless in the first half as goalkeeper Lwandiso Radebe made key one-on-one saves before leaving with an apparent hamstring injury.
- Khumalo said his side failed to convert first-half chances and then lost concentration after the opener, which he described as a decisive error.
- The coach had entered the match expressing confidence and reporting a fully available squad, with earlier injuries cleared and Sive Pama eligible after a red card in the group stage.
- South Africa joined Egypt, Zambia, Tunisia and Senegal in exiting the tournament, while Morocco, Mali, Uganda and Burkina Faso progressed to the Round of 16.