South Africa leads 10-man France 2-1 after 75 minutes in World Cup as Gourcuff is sent off

South Africa leads 10-man France 2-1 after 75 mins

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela gave South Africa a 2-1 lead over 10-man France through 75 minutes as the host nation’s slim chances of reaching the next round of the World Cup dwindled.

Mphela hit the crossbar in the 51st minute as South Africa streamed forward, but Florent Malouda’s 70th-minute goal after tapping in Franck Ribery’s pass dealt a serious blow to Bafana Bafan’s hopes of advancing to the second round.

Khumalo headed South Africa in front from a 20th-minute corner before awful marking allowed Mphela to scramble the ball home from close range in the 37th.

Yoann Gourcuff was ejected in the 25th for elbowing Macbeth Sibaya.

Both teams started the day with just one point.

Uruguay led Mexico 1-0 in the other Group A game. Both France and South Africa would be knocked out if the scores in both games hold up.