In 2010 the World Cup finally came to Africa after South Africa won the vote to become the continent's first hosts.
It was only the third time that the tournament had been hosted outside the traditional heartlands of Europe and South America, and the hosts set the tone for a colourful and vibrant tournament with a memorable moment of their own in the opener.
Following a spectacular opening ceremony, Bafana Bafana opened the scoring - and kicked off their own tournament - in emphatic style.
Up against Mexico, they tore apart their more established opponents with a counter-attack of startling quality. Tshabalala was picked out on the left flank after Bafana broke, and proceeded to rifle home a left-footed effort past Oscar Perez in the 55th minute, prompting scenes of vivid jubilation from the vuvuzela-fuelled home fans.
It was fitting that the first World Cup goal scored on African soil was netted by an African player, and the continent's representatives haven't mustered too many better efforts before or since Tshabalala's outstanding strike.
Raphael Marquez ultimately equalised for Mexico 11 minutes of time, but the draw was largely viewed positively in South Africa, where Bafana had defied pre-match predictions that they'd be exposed by the rugged Mexicans.
Ultimately, South Africa did become the first World Cup hosts to fail to make it out of the group stage, but the national side did secure a memorable result when they defeated a troubled France side in their final fixture.
Tshabalala's strike ensured that, on the field as well as off it, Bafana had incredible memories with which to remember the 2010 edition.
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