Returning to the FIFA World Cup for the primary time in 16 years, South Africa misplaced their opening recreation to co-hosts Mexico 2-0 on the Estadio Azteca.
Bafana Bafana fell behind after 9 minutes as Julián Quiñones capitalized on a South African mistake to place the hosts forward.
Regardless of enhancing as the primary half progressed, Hugo Bruce’s facet struggled to interrupt down Mexico’s protection and went into half-time with a one-goal lead.
The South African nationwide staff had hopes of creating a comeback, however suffered a significant setback early within the second half. Sfefero Cihor was proven a straight purple card for pulling down Brian Gutierrez as he superior in entrance of objective.
Mexico clinched the victory with Raul Jimenez’s second objective earlier than South Africa’s issues worsened late within the recreation. Because of the VAR assessment, substitute Themba Zwane was despatched off, leaving Bafana Bafana with 9 gamers.
This consequence leaves South Africa with work to do with the intention to rebuild their staff in Group A.
South Africa will play the Czech Republic of their subsequent match on Thursday at 16:00 GMT.
