World Cup: Hannover’s Okon starts for South Africa in opener against Mexico

Hannover’s center-back Ime Okon is in South Africa’s starting lineup for the World Cup curtain raiser against Mexico.

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Hugo Broos named Hannover’s center-back Ime Okon in South Africa’s starting lineup for the World Cup opener against Mexico. Exactly 16 years after their last meeting in Johannesburg, the two teams will once again kickstart this year’s event.

This will be Okon’s competitive debut for South Africa as the 22-year-old has only played three friendly games, including last week’s goalless draw with Nicaragua. Following his solid debut season in Germany, reports are linking Bundesliga clubs to the transfer of the defender from Hannover.

Six players from African champions Sundowns are in the South African lineup. Sundowns beat RB Leipzig in a post-season friendly last month, and they also played against Borussia Dortmund during last year’s Club World Cup.

Saudi Pro League top-scorer Julián Quiñones and experienced striker Raúl Jiménez will lead the attacking line for Mexico. Gilberto Mora will be the second player to feature in a World Cup game at the age of 17 if he gets the chance off the bench. Pele, who scored in the final at that age in 1958, is the only player to achieve that feat in the competition’s history.

Unlike the 2010 1-1 draw, this game will be played at Estadio Banorte in Mexico City. The second game from the group will be played hours later between Czechia and South Korea. A player based in Germany has never scored a goal in the World Cup opening fixture since Die Nationalmannschaft’s famous 4-2 win over Costa Rica in 2006

Confirmed Mexico vs. South Africa Lineups

Mexico XI: Rangel; Reyes, Montes ©, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira; Guiterrez, Fidalgo; Alvardo, Jimenez, Quinones

South Africa XI: Williams ©; Mudau, Okon, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokeona, Sithole, Adams; Foster, Rayners