Mexico 2-0 South Africa: Sithole, Zwane sent off as Bafana suffer World Cup heartbreak

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Mexico 2-0 South Africa: Sithole, Zwane sent off as Bafana suffer World Cup heartbreak
Raul Jimenez heads home Mexico's second goal against South Africa. Image: Imago

Bafana Bafana started their World Cup campaign in heartbreaking fashion as they lost 2-0 to Mexico with Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole and Themba Zwane sent off.

Mexico 2-0 South Africa: What just happened?

Mbekezeli Mbokazi of South Africa clears the ball while playing against Mexico.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi of South Africa clears the ball while playing against Mexico. Image: Imago

Sithole had a World Cup debut to forget as his mistakes saw Bafana Bafana suffer a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the tournament opener.

In front of over 80,000 fans at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, South Africa played most of the second half with 10 men after Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute and then the final five with nine players when Themba Zwane also saw red this coming after a mistake from the former had allowed the co-hosts to score the first goal of the 2026 tournament after just eight minutes. 

South Africa would suffer a second goal in the second half, netted by Rau Jimenez, while Mexico were also reduced to 10 in stoppage time. 

Mexico vs South Africa: The big talking point

Sphephelo Sithole of South Africa is sent off during their World Cup match against Mexico.
Sphephelo Sithole of South Africa is sent off during their World Cup match against Mexico. Image: Imago

In the early exchanges, Bafana Bafana were put on the backfoot as soon as the game started with the home side nearly scoring after five minutes had it not been for a brilliant save from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Jimenez had received the ball on the edge of the box and fired a thunderous shot at goal but Williams dived low to keep out.

However, just three minutes later, Sithole made a costly error as South Africa were caught trying to play out from the back. Williams passed to Sithole, who was unmarked on the edge of the box, but the midfielder had a poor first touch, unaware of the lurking Erik Lira. The midfielder robbed him before the ball fell kindly to Julian Quinones and the Saudi-based striker robbed him to slot a low shot into the net.

Themba Zwane of South Africa receives a red card against Mexico.
Themba Zwane of South Africa receives a red card against Mexico. Image: Imago

Mexico went into the break with a slim 1-0 lead but were handed a massive advantage four minutes into the second half when Sithole received his marching orders. A long ball behind Bafana Bafana’s defence sent Brian Gutierrez on his bike and Sithole brought him down.

The midfielder was shown a straight red card for denying him a goal scoring opportunity. Coach Hugo Broos would react by making three substitutions but the Mexicans were celebrating a second goal in the 67th minute when Jimenez cleverly found space in the box to head home Roberto Alvarado’s cross.

It turned from bad to worse five minutes from time as Themba Zwane, who was among the second half substitutes, was sent off for an off the ball incident following an an altercation with Alvarado.

However, Mexico also had a man sent off deep in stoppage time when Cesar Montes saw red for a dangerous tackle on Mudau.

The bigger picture

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos instructs his players during their match against Mexico.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos instructs his players during their match against Mexico. Image: Imago

It is back to the drawing for Broos after seeing his gameplan collapse as soon as the game started and he will have to do it without two key players in Sithole and Zwane while Teboho Mokoena is on a yellow card.

South Africa must avoid defeat against Czechia on Thursday, June 18 to stay in contention ahead of their final grouo stage match with South Korea on June 25 otherwise, their World Cup return after a 16-year wait will end early. There are various platforms to watch and live stream those games while those who want to bet can choose from a number of sites.

Broos will also have to ensure his players are disciplined as they cannot afford to play with a man or two less again.  

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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