Memorable moments: Tshabalala made the African fans happy and celebrated his goal with a dance

There were over 80,000 fans in the Johannesburg stadium, all eagerly awaiting the goal in the opening match between hosts South Africa and Mexico. It was only in the second half when Siphiwe Tshabalala made history. Not only did he score the exhibition first goal of the entire championship, he also got thousands of fans cheering with vuvuzelas.

Memorable Moments is a special project by Ruiku that commemorates the most iconic moments that have happened in football. Today we look back at the opening goal of the World Cup in South Africa, scored by Siphiwe Tshabalala.

The first match of Group A and the entire championship in South Africa was played without goals for a long time. South Africa challenged Mexico and neither team wanted to make the first mistake. That all changed in the 55th minute when Letsholonyane took the ball…

The African midfielder quickly passed the ball to his teammate Dikgacoi. The footballer with Premier League experience launched a lightning action. He plucked the ball with the help of striker Mphel and sent a perfect pass behind the defence to the charging Tshabalala.

He dribbled alone down the left flank towards the Mexican goalkeeper. The ball bounced a bit before he could get a shot off and a hard shot under the crossbar that ended up in the crossbar had the crowd cheering. The typical sound of vuvuzelas echoed across the stadium.

The South African players were overjoyed to score the opening goal. They ran to celebrate with Tshabalala towards the corner flag, where they performed a choreographed dance together.

What was specific about the goal?

Tshabalala’s 55th-minute goal was the first ever goal at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and although the home side “only” drew 1-1 against Mexico, it brought great joy to the fans.

Commentator Peter Drury also recalled the historic moment: “It was a great day for sport and society. It did something that politics has never done for the world. In the Johannesburg stadium, the world was united and racially equalised.”

“Everyone was together. Arms around each other’s shoulders, regardless of race, colour or creed. Everyone was smiling during the game and a boy called Tshabalala, who grew up in Soweto, scored a beautiful, beautiful goal,” Drury added.

South Africa narrowly missed out on qualification from the group. They finished third with four points. Yet African fans experienced a wonderful football moment thanks to Tshabalala’s goal.

Source:: Youtube, Sportbible, Livesport