Bafana Bafana 0-2 Mexico. And frankly, it was not that close.
South Africa’s return to the FIFA World Cup — sixteen years after hosting the tournament — was supposed to mean something. Instead, what unfolded at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday was an embarrassment so complete that it was difficult to watch.
Hugo Broos’ men looked flat before a ball was kicked, carried themselves like a team that had already accepted defeat, and played exactly that way for ninety minutes.
Sphephelo Sithole gifted Julián Quiñones the opening goal inside nine minutes, losing possession near his own penalty area and allowing the Mexican to intercept and fire home. It was the perfect summary of what followed — no composure, no structure, no plan.
At half-time, South Africa’s expected goals figure stood at a pitiful 0.06 against Mexico’s 0.66. That is not bad luck. That is a team with nothing to offer.
The second half descended into farce. Sithole — who had already handed Mexico their first goal — then hauled down a Mexican attacker clean through on goal. Red card. South Africa down to ten men.
Shortly after, veteran midfielder Themba Zwane, introduced from the bench, lashed out and caught Roberto Alvarado with his hand off the ball. The referee missed it initially, but VAR did not. Another red card, and Bafana Bafana were down to nine men.
South Africa’s sustained cynicism throughout the match eventually provoked a response from the hosts. César Montes lost his composure chasing down a South African forward and was sent off for a reckless full-body tackle denying a goalscoring opportunity.
It made this the first World Cup opening match in history to feature three red cards. For all the wrong reasons, Bafana Bafana made history.
By the final stages, Mexico were rotating freely and managing minutes. A co-host nation had stopped playing. South Africa, with nine men, were just trying to get through it.
These are professional footballers, paid to perform on the biggest stage in the sport. On Thursday, they were undisciplined, planless, and shockingly amateur. South African supporters deserved far better, and they know it.
Bafana Bafana have two group stage matches remaining — against Czechia and South Korea. On this evidence, it is hard to see what changes.
📸 Images via BackpagePix / AFP
