Overview
- Japan scored three times after halftime in Doha to knock the Amajimbos out in the round of 32.
- Goalkeeper Lwandiso Radebe produced vital first-half saves before departing with an apparent hamstring injury early in the second period.
- Coach Vela Khumalo fielded a full-strength lineup after declaring a clean bill of health and confirming Sive Pama’s red-card suspension had expired.
- Japan entered the knockouts as Group B winners ahead of Portugal, while South Africa advanced as Group A runners-up.
- South Africa miss out on the last 16, where Mali, Morocco and Uganda have already secured places.