Mphela failed to clinch all the 3 points for South Africa as his attempt on goal hit the upright on the dying stages of the game.

The winger gave the host nation the lead when he converted that pass with a sweet left-footed swinger past the Mexican keeper, albeit being second best to everything in the opening stages.

South Africa rejoiced as the noise went up by the home crowd went up by another 10 decibel or so.

Vociferous support for the host nation as whistles and horns can be heard around the home stadium. The South African fans were really the 12th man on the pitch for Bafana Bafana. The longer the match progressed, the louder they became.

Sadly, there was a dip in the background noise when the ball whistled into the net on the 79th minute.

Marquez was at the right place and the right time to slot the ball past the Khune to make the score all level.

South Africa looked to have responded quickly with that powerful shot from Gaxa before the Mexican keeper parried it away.

However, the host nation suffered a panic attack when the ball ended in the back of the net early in the game.

Confusion surfaced when Mexico had the ball in the back of the net on the 38th minute. Vela converted the goal from close range but it was disallowed as South Africa had a defender on the line. The goalkeeper attempted to punch the ball and wasn’t playing the Arsenal striker onside.

It was a brilliant call from the assistant referee as replays showed that his judgment was a right one.

Overall, Bafana Bafana proved that the host nation can be a force to be reckoned with.