Bafana Bafana have scored just 11 goals across the three FIFA World Cups they have participated in.
Despite producing memorable moments on football’s biggest stage, South Africa have struggled defensively, conceding 16 goals and suffering two 3-0 defeats during their appearances.
As they edge closer to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bafana will need a much stronger defensive display and perhaps their best-ever tournament campaign, if they hope to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
Here are the eight players who found the net for South Africa at the FIFA World Cup.
Benni McCarthy (2 goals)
McCarthy scored Bafana’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Denmark in 1998. He added another four years later at the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan when he scored against Spain in a thrilling 3-2 defeat.
Shaun Bartlett (2 goals)
Bartlett scored a brace against Saudi Arabia in 1998, but it was not enough to send South Africa into the last 16.
Bafana to play in their fourth World Cup
Teboho Mokoena
The former Jomo Cosmos F.C. midfielder scored during Bafana’s 2-2 draw with Paraguay in their opening match at the 2002 World Cup. His strike sparked a comeback for the side coached by Jomo Sono.
Quinton Fortune
The former Manchester United F.C. midfielder rescued a draw for South Africa with a late penalty against Paraguay. Fortune played in two World Cups and was one of Bafana’s most influential attacking players during that era.
Lucas Radebe
Against Spain in 2002, South Africa were trailing before Radebe equalised with a powerful header to score his only World Cup goal. Unfortunately, Bafana could not contain the Spanish attack and eventually lost 3-2.
Siphiwe Tshabalala
“Shabba” remains one of the most iconic moments in World Cup history. Shabba’s stunning opening goal against Mexico in 2010 is still regarded as Bafana’s most famous World Cup strike, although the match ended 1-1.
Bongani Khumalo
The retired defender headed home South Africa’s opener against France in 2010 as Bafana chased a place in the knockout stages. Khumalo and Radebe remain the only defenders to score for South Africa at a World Cup.
Katlego Mphela
Nicknamed “Killer”, Mphela endured heartbreak after missing a late chance against Mexico that could have secured victory. However, he did get on the scoresheet against France as South Africa defeated Les Bleus 2-1, though it was not enough to progress beyond the group stage.
Bafana have Mexico, Czech Republic and South Korea in their World Cup group.
