'First Was A Card, But The Second...': South Africa Boss Reflects On Double Red On Opening Day Vs Mexico

Published 12 June 2026 · sports

'First Was A Card, But The Second...': South Africa Boss Reflects On Double Red On Opening Day Vs Mexico Published By, Last Updated: June 12

'First Was A Card, But The Second...': South Africa Boss Reflects On Double Red On Opening Day Vs Mexico Published By, Last Updated: June 12, 2026, 06:06 IST RSA boss Hugo Boos lamented acknowledged the first red as a legit sending-off, but opined that the second one was a rather soft foul. Three red cards were brandished in the FIFA WC 2026 opener. (x) Mexico began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in style, as El Tri claimed a 2-0 victory over South Africa in Friday’s tournament opener at the legendary Estadio Azteca. Goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez sent shockwaves through Mexico City, with the home crowd savouring a memorable opening-day win over Bafana Bafana, who finished the game with ten men as a result of two red cards.

RSA boss Hugo Boos lamented acknowledged the first red as a legit sending-off, but opined that the second one was a rather soft foul. “It’s not nice for both players to get a red card in an opening game of the World Cup." “The first one we must accept, the player was going in on goal, Yaya fouled him. But the second, the Mexican player blocked [Zwane], it was a bit soft for a red card." Jimenez was denied early on, but Quinones soon ignited the Azteca, staging its historic third World Cup curtain-raiser. Pouncing on a goalkeeping spill, he composed himself inside the box and slotted the ball through South African keeper Williams’ legs. South Africa tried to respond and find a route back into the contest, but Mexico held firm and went into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead.

Bafana Bafana’s task became tougher when Sithole was sent off for a challenge from behind that stopped a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Jimenez’s resulting free kick was blocked by the wall. Jimenez eventually doubled the advantage, breaking away in trademark fashion to meet a superb cross from the right after a swift Mexican counter. The Fulham forward made no mistake, powering a header past the helpless Williams, who could only watch as the net bulged and the Mariachis roared even louder. South Africa’s evening deteriorated further when Themba Zwane was shown a red card, joining Sithole in the dressing room as Mexico tightened their grip on the match. Mexico also finished with reduced numbers, as Montes was dismissed in the second minute of added time, leaving the game at ten against nine.

Nonetheless, the hosts comfortably saw out the win, ensuring their World Cup campaign began on a positive note. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Mexico City, Mexico First Published: June 12, 2026, 06:06 IST News sports football 'First Was A Card, But The Second...': South Africa Boss Reflects On Double Red On Opening Day Vs Mexico Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...