Mexico vs South Africa: A Repeat After 16 Years
It is an amazing coincidence. 16 years ago, South Africa played Mexico at Johannesburg on June 11 2010, in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup hosted by the Rainbow Nation. On June 11, Mexico will host South Africa in Mexico City in the inaugural match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Clash Had Ended in A 1-1 Draw in Johannesburg
Johannesburg had erupted in sheer joy when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored for the Bafana Bafana in the 55th minute. The Mexicans then fought back and equalised through Rafael Marquez in the 79th minute, and eventually the match ended in a draw. Another ironic fact, though 16 years apart, is that Javier Aguirre was the Manager of Mexico then and is also the Manager now.
A Noisy Estadio Azteca Will Greet South Africa
Estadio Azteca, officially known as Estadio Banorte for sponsorship reasons, located in Coyoacán, in Mexico City, will host the match, which is expected to be a sellout with fans and supporters thronging the arena in hordes to support Mexico. It is going to be extremely vociferous and noisy. No wonder South Africa will have a lot to deal with when they step on the pitch in Mexico City.
Javier Aguirre, Mexico’s Task Master
Javier Aguirre is a task master and, in his own words, has assembled a team of hardened players, akin to the blue-collar workers who not only work hard but live hard too.
Mexican Players to Look Out For
Guillermo Ochoa, Mexico’s legendary goalkeeper, will be at his 6th World Cup along with Messi and Ronaldo, and if he takes the gloves in front of goal, it will be a great sight to behold. Ochoa has been a great star with 152 appearances for the national team. Javier Aguirre will be expecting a great deal from Raul Jimenez from Fulham, and of course, the Saudi League golden boot winner, Julian Quinones of Al Qadsiyah. Both players can score against any opposition with their skill and pace. Johan Vasquez in defence and Obed Vargas in the midfield are the players to look out for.
The Bafana Bafana Brigade
For Bafana Bafana, under Manager Hugo Broos, the players are mostly from two local clubs. Orlando Pirates, the winners of the South African League and Mamelodi Sundowns. I am looking forward to the 21-year-old sensation, Relebohile Mofokeng and how impactful he turns out to be for the South Africans. Another young player is the 20-year-old US-based defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, might surprise a few. Striker Lyle Foster, who plays for Burnley, and Olwethu Makhanya are the players to watch out for.
Recent Form
Mexico’s recent form has been brilliant, with 3 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 matches, while the South Africans have been a bit inconsistent with a couple of losses and draws and just one win in their last 5 games.
Mexico Have A Slight Edge
Mexico playing at high altitudes will be in an advantageous position vis-à-vis South Africa. With a seasoned defence and the ability to push forward with an enterprising midfield and brilliant finishers in front of goal, Mexico may just have their noses ahead against the Bafana Bafana. Playing in front of an extremely partisan crowd will help, too. The South Africans, however, with a young team, have a lot of pace and can surprise Mexico on the break.
Can the Bafana Bafana Survive A Mexican Onslaught
Though it is difficult to predict, Mexico do have an edge. The Bafana Bafana will be up against it. Can they escape with a draw?… Time will tell.
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