Africa’s first World Cup opened with a pulsating 1-1 draw between South Africa and Mexico as a late goal deprived the hosts of victory before more than 84,000 passionate fans at the futuristic Soccer City.
The South Africans opened the scoring through Siphiwe Tshabalala who slammed a fierce left foot drive into the net in the 55th minute against the run of play in a match dominated early on by Mexico.
But Rafael Marquez equalised 11 minutes from time, driving home from close range as the South African defence fell apart.
In the second Group A game later on Friday in Cape Town, Uruguay and France, two former World Cup winners, play each other.
Tshabalala goal:
Márquez goal: