Mexico made the perfect start to their home World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at a packed Azteca Stadium in a dramatic match that produced three red cards.

Julian Quinones scored the tournament’s first goal after just nine minutes, capitalising on a costly mistake by Yaya Sithole. Mexico dominated the first half, with Raul Jimenez and Quinones both going close to adding to the lead.

South Africa’s task became even harder when Sithole was sent off for bringing down Bryan Gutierrez as he raced through on goal. Jimenez then sealed the win with a header from Roberto Alvarado’s cross, scoring his first World Cup goal.

The match turned increasingly heated as South Africa substitute Themba Zwane was shown a red card following a VAR review for striking Alvarado. Mexico also finished with 10 men after Cesar Montes was controversially sent off for stopping a counterattack, despite VAR checking the incident.

The victory gives Mexico an ideal start to their World Cup campaign.