"If you come out rashly, you'll be beaten by Lee Kang-in," South African experts warn... The 'Mudau risk' is as terrifying as the gap left by Mokoenana

*This content was translated by AI.

Ahead of the final group stage match against the South Korean national team, South Africa is presenting various analyses to secure a victory. In particular, it emphasized the need to be wary of the South African right-side defense, which can be exploited by 'Golden Boy' Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain).

South African media Soccer Laduma, on the 23rd (Korea time), analyzed the match against South Korea, stating, "South Africa has returned to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2010. There is a coach who has rebuilt the national team, and fans dreaming of the country's first-ever tournament advancement. That dream is still alive, but now it hangs by a thread. Everything depends on the remaining 90 minutes."

The South Korean national team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will face South Africa in the third match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean (CONCACAF) World Cup A Group qualifiers at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, on the 25th. Currently, South Korea sits in second place in the group with one win and one loss (3 points), while South Africa is in fourth place with one draw and one loss (1 point). South Korea will advance to the Round of 32 with even a draw, whereas South Africa must win.

The media predicted that coach Hugo Broos of South Africa would deploy a back four in the match against South Korea. South Africa used a 5-3-2 formation in the first match against Mexico but suffered a decisive 0-2 defeat. However, in the second match against the Czech Republic, they returned to their familiar back four and secured a 1-1 draw after a strong performance.

However, South Africa's starting midfielder Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) cannot participate in the match against South Korea due to accumulation of yellow card suspensions. The media also expressed regret, stating, "The absence of Mokoena is huge. He is the most experienced and technically complete central midfielder in South Africa. He was a resource capable of controlling the tempo and leading the midfield battle against South Korea's strong midfield, but Coach Broos must restructure the central defense without Mokoena."

The media projected that Sifelo Sithole (CD Tondela) and Talente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates) are highly likely to fill the void left by Mokoena. However, it expressed concern that "without Mokoena's energy, passing range, and ability to dominate second balls, South Africa may be pushed deeper than expected and forced to rely solely on counterattacks."

South Africa's weakness is not limited to the midfield. Soccer Laduma pointed out the flanks as areas where South Africa could exploit South Korea, while simultaneously emphasizing the need to be cautious about their own flank defense. In particular, attention was drawn to South Africa's right flank.

The starting right-back for South Africa is Kuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns). He is noted for his passionate and bold play as a strength. However, the media viewed this very strength as a potential risk factor in the match against South Korea.

Soccer Laduma warned, "The matchup between Mudau and Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), who moves in the left channel of South Korea, or Lee Kang-in, is a key point to watch in this match. Mudau is an aggressive player who has recorded the most tackles among South African defenders in this tournament. However, he will face a harsh test against South Korea's left line, which is creative, physically strong, and smart in movement."

Furthermore, the media pointed out, "If Mudau is drawn out, the space behind him will become an area that South Korea will persistently target."

Lee Kang-in is highlighted as a key card to shake up the South African defense. The media analyzed, "Lee Kang-in is a creative core resource for South Korea. He moves between the midfield and attack. This space reveals the vulnerability in South Africa's defensive structure."

It further stated, "The connection between Lee Kang-in, Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), and Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City) provides South Korea with a technical advantage in the central area. South Africa has struggled throughout this tournament to cope with such technical quality," giving high praise to South Korea's midfield.

Additionally, Soccer Laduma mentioned 'Captain' Son Heung-min (LAFC) and 'Monster Defender' Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich). Regarding Son Heung-min, the media noted, "While the media is focusing on the fact that he has not scored yet in this tournament, Son Heung-min's impact on South Korea's performance goes beyond goals. His movement, pressing, and ability to create space for Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan are as valuable as scoring goals."

Kim Min-jae also received high praise. The media evaluated, "Kim Min-jae is undoubtedly the most imposing defender in this match. His overwhelming aerial ability, game-reading skills, and capacity to press from the back form a wall that South Africa's attacking line will find difficult to break through."

It further added, "Alongside Kim Min-jae, a back three is formed with Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland) and Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon FC). This defensive structure provides stability that allows South Korea's attacking line to advance with confidence."

Regarding South Africa's attacking line, it is expected that Lererobohile Mopokeng and Oswin Apollis (both from Orlando Pirates) will take the flanks. It is anticipated that Lyle Foster (Burnley) will start at the forefront. If Foster plays, he is viewed positively as being able to compete with Kim Min-jae in aerial duels and physical battles.

However, the most important task is scoring goals. The media pointed out, "Creating goals against South Korea, which only needs a draw, is South Africa's most critical challenge."

South Africa has qualified for the World Cup finals four times in total, including this tournament. In the previous three tournaments (1998, 2002, 2010), they were eliminated in the group stage. Under Coach Broos, who has led the national team since 2021, they dream of their first-ever World Cup tournament advancement in this tournament. However, if they fail to win against South Korea, that dream will once again come to a halt.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.