African fans troll South Africa after World Cup loss, linking it to xenophobia
Following South Africa's 2-0 defeat to Mexico in the World Cup opener, social media saw widespread mockery from fellow African fans, tied to rising xenophobic violence in South Africa.
South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the World Cup, but the on-field defeat triggered a wave of online mockery from other African fans. Many fans across the continent openly supported Mexico, sharing light-hearted memes featuring sombreros, mariachi bands, and tacos. However, the banter revealed deeper anger over reports of xenophobic violence in South Africa.
Social media users justified their support for Mexico by linking it to current tensions over migration in South Africa. One X user asked, 'You want people to cheer for you when you play soccer just because we're African?' citing mistreatment of migrants. Another posted, 'We're supporting Mexico so that South Africa can go back home early to protect their jobs,' playing on the unfounded accusation that foreigners are responsible for high unemployment. Prominent Kenyan lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi sarcastically hoped South Africa would not blame African migrants for the 2–0 defeat and two red cards.
Congolese football supporter Daniel Kaniki, at a fan park in Atlanta, USA, told the BBC: 'Africa is like one country and if one is chasing others, we are not a family any more. That's why I'm supporting Mexico today.' Not everyone agreed: Ghanaian Vanlare Quist, also at the fan park, said he was rooting for South Africa, calling himself 'a proud African' and blaming anti-immigrant sentiment on a few individuals.
In South Sudan, fans in Juba supported Bafana Bana, citing historical solidarity from the struggle against white-minority rule in South Africa. Student George Kenyi Charles Rehan said, 'As South Sudanese, we are behind South Africa and will continue to support them because they are representing Africa.' The South African government commended the team for a 'spirited performance' and representing the nation with unity and pride.
The trolling highlights growing xenophobia in South Africa. In recent weeks, migrants from other African nations have faced violence and intimidation. Anti-migrant groups set a June 30 deadline for illegal foreigners to leave. President Cyril Ramaphosa warned against vigilantism but said concerns 'deserve to be heard and addressed.' Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi have evacuated their citizens, taking the threats seriously. With unemployment over 30%, anti-migrant sentiment has risen, including protests and attacks.
South Africa has two more matches in the tournament to prove their mettle.
