When Bafana Took the Fight to Brazil: The 1996 Soccer City Classic That Still Echoes

On April 24, 1996, newly crowned African champions South Africa pushed world champions Brazil to the limit in a breathless 3–2 friendly at Soccer City. Phil Masinga’s brace lit up Johannesburg, but Brazil’s late surge — capped by an 85th-minute winner — turned a famous night into a painful lesson.