South Africa’s performance at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France was a story of missed opportunities and frustration.

The tournament, which ran from June 10 to July 12, 1998, was South Africa’s first appearance at the World Cup as a free and democratic nation. However, the team, led by coach Philippe Troussier, failed to advance past the group stage.

Bafana Bafana was drawn into Group C, alongside hosts France, Saudi Arabia, and Denmark. They played their opening match on June 12, against the host nation, at the atmospheric Stade Velodrome in Marseille.

The match ended in a 3-0 defeat for South Africa, with strikes from Christophe Dugarry and Thierry Henry sandwiching an own goal from Bafana defender Pierre Issa.

Despite the heavy loss, South Africa’s performance was not without its moments. The team showed flashes of skill, but was ultimately outclassed by a French side that would go on to win the tournament.

South Africa’s second match was against Denmark at Stade de Toulouse six days later. The European side claimed an early lead via Allan Nielsen, but South Africa struck back via Benni McCarthy – the breakout star of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year – who slid a low shot through the legs of legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel to earn a 1-1 draw. Bafana Bafana were on the board with their first ever World Cup point.

Needing to win their final group stage match against Saudi Arabia in Bordeaux on June 24 to have any chance of advancing, South Africa could only draw 2-2: Shaun Bartlett opened and closed the scoring in a game which saw three penalties awarded.

It was a disappointing outcome for Bafana Bafana and their adoring fans back home, as they ultimately finished third in the standings behind France and Denmark.

South Africa’s performance in the 1998 World Cup was a mixture of promise and frustration. They showed they were capable of competing at the highest level, but defensive lapses and a lack of consistency prevented them from advancing further in the tournament.

Off the pitch, South Africa’s World Cup journey was seen as a stepping stone in the country’s continued development in international football. The tournament experience provided valuable lessons, and the team’s growth over the subsequent years helped solidify South Africa’s place in the world of football.

In hindsight, 1998 remains a bitter-sweet memory, as South Africa’s campaign was full of what-ifs and missed chances.