Mexicans Hold Bafana Bafana In Tournament Opener

South Africa were denied a dream start to the 2010 World Cup after their opening Group A encounter with Mexico ended all square.

A sublime finish from Siphiwe Tshabalala had put Bafana Bafana within 11 minutes of victory, however Rafael Marquez levelled matters to ensure an absorbing contest finished 1-1.

Mexico, who dominated the first half, were made to pay for missing numerous chances when Tshabalala expertly latched on to Teko Modise’s throughball and calmly lashed the ball past Oscar Perez 10 minutes into the second half.

The celebration which followed was something special, however the majority of the 90,000 fans inside Soccer City were to be denied a famous win.

After offering little in the way of attacking threat suring the second period, defensive midfielder Marquez neatly controlled Andres Guardado’s cross and fired home to level the scores.

Both side’s pressed for a winner, and Katlego Mphela almost won it for the hosts but his last minute effort bounced back off a post.

Daniel "Pitchside" Pitcher Twitter: @DanFM104Sport About: Dan "Pitchside" Pitcher provides insight and commentary as the chief soccer and rugby correspondent for Sportspeak.