South Africa have etched their name in the history books by reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time — yet for many, the achievement carries the bittersweet sting of what was lost 16 years ago.

When Siphiwe Tshabalala fired Bafana Bafana ahead against Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup on home soil, one TV commentator famously called it "a goal for all of Africa." The moment captured the imagination of a continent. But the dream unravelled: South Africa were eliminated on goal difference despite that 1-1 draw and a famous victory over France, becoming the first host nation in World Cup history to exit at the group stage.

A game that went quiet

The fallout went beyond the pitch. Cape Town-based sports journalist Mark Gleeson told the BBC World Service that South African football entered a prolonged slump after those finals — the first ever held on African soil.

"There was much excitement in the build-up to, and obviously around, 2010, but then it all went a little bit dead, combined with an economic downturn," Gleeson said. "There are not many sponsors in the domestic game. There's not a lot of money floating around."

South Africa also missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012, 2017, and 2021 during that lean stretch. But the tide has begun to turn. Mamelodi Sundowns claimed the CAF Champions League title in 2016 and again in May, while Bafana Bafana secured World Cup qualification ahead of Nigeria.

"The national team qualifying for the World Cup, Sundowns winning the African Champions League — it has been a huge boost for the country," Gleeson added. "Hopefully this is the start of a new era for South Africa, maybe 16 years too late."

Broos rebuilds belief

Much of the credit belongs to head coach Hugo Broos. Appointed after Molefi Ntseki was sacked following South Africa's failure to qualify for Afcon 2021, the 74-year-old Belgian — who played at the 1986 World Cup for Belgium and previously led Cameroon to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2017 — has rebuilt the squad from scratch.

Broos guided Bafana Bafana to a third-place finish at Afcon 2023 before steering them to this World Cup. Still, his cautious tactical approach drew heavy criticism after a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening match — played against the same opponents as in 2010 — in which two players were sent off.

South Africa came from behind to draw with Czech Republic and then defeated South Korea to claim second place in Group A. Broos was unrepentant, saying his side had silenced the "big mouths" who had called for his removal.

Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was unequivocal: "He deserves a statue. He deserves the highest recognition for the belief he has shown in this team. When our backs are against the wall and people don't believe in us, he is always there."

Former national team captain Dean Furman, who was among the experienced players released when Broos took charge, praised the decision in hindsight. "The first thing he did was get rid of the older players and develop a younger team," the former Rangers and Oldham Athletic midfielder told BBC Sport Africa. "What he's done with the team — to go third at the Afcon, qualify for the World Cup, get to the knockouts — I think he's done a phenomenal job."

A squad galvanised

Furman also hailed Williams as an "incredible leader" for lifting the camp after the Mexico defeat. Eight players in the squad come from Mamelodi Sundowns, with another eight from league champions Orlando Pirates. Just seven of the 26-man group are based abroad — a statistic Furman believes signals a bright future for South African club football.

"With this squad doing so well, there'll be more eyes on South African players and more opportunities to get into the top leagues in Europe," he said. "With Sundowns conquering Africa, I'm sure Pirates will look to do the same next year."

Amid the team's achievements, Williams has urged fans across the continent to set aside socio-political tensions and back Bafana Bafana. Furman echoed that call: "Despite the political unrest in the country, I'm hoping that Bafana, on the football pitch, have given the continent a team to be proud of."

Canada awaits in the last 32

South Africa now face Canada — fellow first-time knockout stage participants — at Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday at 19:00 GMT. Canada lost home advantage after a defeat to Switzerland in their final group game, making the tie an enticing prospect for Bafana Bafana.

"You have got to believe it is a game that South Africa have got the potential of winning," said Gleeson. "All of a sudden, from being outsiders, they are perhaps staring at a possible place in the last 16."

Broos, widely expected to retire from management after these finals, urged his players to keep delivering. "You will see a team that will believe and fight for the 90 minutes, and more if we have to," he said. "It should be even more historic."