The last time the two countries met was in 2005 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. South Africa prevailed 2-1 as Philip Evans and Elrio Van Heerden scored goals. Francisco Rodriguez got one back for El Tri.
From the SA 2005 Gold Cup squad only Siboniso Gaxa and Siyabonga Nomvethe remain while Mexico still have Ricardo Osorio and Carlos Salcido.