Sports Desk Reporter
Bafana Bafana began their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico at the packed Estadio Azteca last night.
The South African senior men’s national team ended the match with nine players after two second-half red cards disrupted their rhythm.
Mexico took advantage through goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez. The hosts controlled large spells of the game as they secured a comfortable win in front of their home crowd.
Coach Hugo Broos’ side struggled to recover after the dismissals. Sphephelo Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute, followed by Themba Zwane in the 84th minute.
Both players will now miss the next group fixture against Czechia, scheduled for June 18 in Atlanta, United States.
Broos said there is still time for the team to regroup and respond in the remaining matches.
“There are still seven days before the next group match, and these guys are professionals,” Broos said.
“If you cannot recuperate in seven days before another game, that is ridiculous. I do not think it will be a problem,” he said.
He added that the squad must quickly shift focus to recovery and attacking improvements.
“We need the next two days to get over today’s disappointment and also the fatigue,” he said.
“The guys will be ready again from Saturday to Sunday to have good training. We also have to work on our offensive game because it was not enough today.”
Supporters expressed disappointment after the result, with concerns raised over discipline and the second-half collapse.
However, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie remained optimistic, posting on X.
“You lost like the Champs that you are today, you didn’t humiliate us, you gave undeserved respect to the Mexicans on the field. We have a team here that can go very far. Let’s not give up on this team, South Africa. Let us stand behind our Boyz,” he wrote.