South Africa's only shot on target in the first 45 minutes came from Mbekezeli Mbokazi, but his tame effort was comfortably saved by Raul Rangel.

Mexico began the second half with the same intensity as it ended the first. Alvaro Fidalgo showed fancy footwork in the area but laid the ball off when a shot seemed the better option, and Brian Gutierrez then sent a 25-yard drive over the bar.

Sithole earned the tournament's first red card after clattering into Gutierrez when the midfielder was through on goal.