The goal is still celebrated to this day as it is a nostalgic reminder of a tournament that unified South Africans from all walks of life.
Sadly‚ though‚ Bafana failed to hold on to their lead in that match as they allowed their opponents to equalise in the 77th minute through veteran defender Raphael Marquez.
Things went downhill after that opening match as Bafana later confirmed the ignominy of becoming the first hosts of the World Cup to fail to progress beyond the group stages of the showpiece.
A 3-0 defeat to Uruguay in their second game and a 2-1 win over France in the Free State earned then coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's charges that dubious distinction.