South Africa gives Mexico a scare with its level in the Africa Cup of Nations
South Africa is proving it can be a very tough opponent for Mexico after advancing to the next stage of the Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Zimbabwe 3-2
If anyone thought that South Africa would be a pushover for Mexico in the next 2026 World Cup, Bafana Bafana's performance in the Africa Cup of Nations is proving otherwise by advancing to the next stage after defeating Zimbabwe 3-2.
The South Africans' victory capped off a first phase with six points thanks to wins over Angola 2-1 and Zimbabwe 3-2, as well as a stumble against Egypt in a controversial match due to the penalty goal scored by the Pharaohs' star and Liverpool Premier League player Mohamed Salah.
The important thing for South Africa, and dangerous for Mexico, is that the team managed by Dutchman Hugo Broos, who has assembled a versatile and very competitive squad, is demonstrating that anyone who underestimates or overlooks them at the World Cup could be in for an unpleasant moment. surprise.
The Match
In the match against Zimbabwe, the Bafana Bafana team, who were already Mexico's World Cup opponents in 2010 with a 1-1 draw, took the lead with a goal from Tshepang Moremi, but the The South African team's joy didn't last long, as twelve minutes later Tawanda Maswanhise, who plays for Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership, equalized 1-1. That was all in the first half, although both teams tried to create danger with quick attacks on the goals defended by Washington Arubi of Zimbabwe and Ronwen Williams of South Africa. In the second half, South Africa again took the lead with a goal from Lyle Foster in the 50th minute, which put their opponents in trouble and forced them to go all out for the equalizer, which they achieved in the 73rd minute through South African defender Aubrey Modiba. Finally, Bafana Bafana's winning goal was scored by Oswin Appollis in the 82nd minute from a penalty, signaling their passage to the next round. They will face Mexico in six months' time in the opening match of the next World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Bafana Bafana will arrive at this match after missing the last three World Cups and will be looking to cause an upset in the historic Azteca Stadium,which will be hosting its third World Cup. Their performance so far in the Africa Cup of Nations shows a team that struggles to score when under pressure, but that effectively exploits the spaces created by their opponents, while their defense has looked solid throughout the tournament.