Staff Reporter
The South African government has urged Bafana Bafana to remain confident and rally for their remaining FIFA World Cup group-stage matches after the national team opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in Mexico City.
Mexico beat South Africa at the Azteca Stadium on Thursday in the opening match, with Julián Quiñones scoring in the ninth minute before Raúl Jiménez added a second in the 67th minute.
The physical Group A match also produced three red cards, with South Africa reduced to nine men after Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off. Mexico’s César Montes was also dismissed late in the match.
The result leaves Bafana Bafana needing a response in their remaining group-stage fixtures against Czech Republic and South Korea.
In a statement issued after the match, government said South Africa remained behind the team despite the defeat.
“Government commends Bafana Bafana for their spirited performance in their opening match against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup. While the final score was not what the nation had hoped for, the team represented South Africa with unity, determination, and a sense of pride on the world’s biggest stage,” the statement said.
“We encourage the team, coaching staff and support team to remain focussed and confident as the prepare for the remaining matches in the group stage.”
Government also called on South Africans to continue supporting the team during the tournament.
“Together, we can inspire our team to greater heights; South Africans are urged to rally behind our boys and cheer them on as they carry the hope of the nation,” the statement said.
“Wear your green and gold on Bafana Fridays and continue to stand united behind our national team throughout their FIFA World Cup journey.”
The statement said South Africa “remains proud of Bafana Bafana and believes in their ability to bounce back stronger.”
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