World Cup 2026: South Africa finish with 9 men, just like Cameroon in 1990... or almost

World Cup 2026 Today at 09:48

Imed Ben Amara

News Editor

11.06.26 FT World Cup

Mexico

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South Africa

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It was a debut to forget for South Africa. Bafana Bafana saw red twice in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Mexico.

First reduced to ten men after Siphephelo Sithole was sent off for bringing down Brian Gutiérrez as the last defender (49’), Hugo Broos’ men were then forced to finish the match with nine after Themba Zwane received a straight red for striking Roberto Alvarado (84’).

With these two red cards, South Africa matched a long-standing record set by Cameroon back in the 1990 edition. They are the first team to end a World Cup opener with only nine players since the Indomitable Lions, but with a crucial difference.

Indeed, Bafana Bafana fell 2-0 and couldn’t replicate the heroics of Roger Milla’s Cameroon, who famously beat Diego Armando Maradona’s Argentina 1-0. The lone goal of that historic encounter came in the 67th minute, a spectacular header by François Omam-Biyik, who soared to nearly 2.96 meters according to FIFA’s official data.

Kana-Biyik (61') and Massing (89') were both sent off in that unforgettable opener, which remains one of the greatest achievements in African football history.

Now bottom of Group A, Bafana Bafana must raise their game against Czechia (June 18) and South Korea (June 25) if they hope to keep their dream of reaching the last 16 alive.

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