South Africa Stumbles in 2-0 Loss to Mexico as Sithole Is Sent Off

South Africa’s return to the World Cup stage on Thursday ended in a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in its opening match, a game the Bafana Bafana finished with nine men. Sphephelo Sithole was at the center of the collapse, losing possession to Erick Lira before Kyniyones scored in the 9th minute, then receiving a straight red card in the 49th minute for a foul on Bryan Gutierrez when he was through on goal.

Local media were sharply critical. Sportoday said Sithole was under heavy pressure after a poor spell and was not certain to keep his place in the starting lineup for the World Cup. The Guardian wrote that he “looked insecure” even on the move that led to Mexico’s first goal, while commentator Daniel Harris said, “His first touch was awful.”

Temba Zwane of Mamelodi Sundowns also saw red, leaving South Africa to end the match with nine players. After a strong qualifying campaign in which it finished above Nigeria, South Africa will next face Czechia in Group A and seek its third World Cup win ever.