Africa: South Africa's Bafana Open Campaign With Defeat By Mexico and Two Red Cards
Mexico doubled its lead after the break as South Africa finished with nine players following two second-half red cards, coach Hugo Broos said.
- On Thursday, Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 Fifa World Cup at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
- Julian Quinones scored early after midfielder Sphephelo Sithole lost possession, then Raul Jimenez added a header after the break to double the hosts' lead.
- South Africa barely posed a threat to Mexico's goal despite having 11 men on the pitch, finishing with fewer players after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane received red cards.
- Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos claimed his team played well after the loss, drawing criticism that "comments about his team playing well are unlikely to go down well."
- Broos blamed two mistakes for the result and questioned officiating decisions regarding the red cards, alleging the Mexican player Roberto Alvarado fouled his player on the second dismissal.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Coach Broos rues red cards but sees hope after South Africa loss to Mexico
Africa: South Africa's Bafana Open Campaign With Defeat By Mexico and Two Red Cards
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Bafana Bafana's FIFA World Cup woes deepen as red card FINES loom
Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign suffered an early setback both on and off the field following their 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the tournament opener on Thursday. While Hugo Broos’ side left the Estadio Azteca without any points, the financial and disciplinary consequences of the match could prove equally damaging ahead of their next clash against the Czech Republic. READ | Seeing RED: South Africa’s FIFA World Cup dismissals reaches FO…
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