In a surprising twist during the opening match of the football World Cup, many fans across Africa chose to support Mexico over the host nation, South Africa.
The shift in allegiance was evident on social media, where light-hearted memes featuring sombreros, mariachi bands, and tacos masked a deeper discontent regarding recent xenophobic violence in South Africa.
The South African team faced a disappointing 2-0 loss against Mexico, leading to a barrage of mocking posts online as the final whistle blew.
However, some South Africans defended their team, known as Bafana Bafana, praising their effort despite the scoreline.
This year’s World Cup features ten African teams, co-hosted by Mexico alongside the US and Canada.
In the lead-up to Thursday’s match, several African supporters expressed their reasoning for backing Mexico, connecting it to ongoing migration tensions in South Africa.
One user on X questioned, “Do you expect us to cheer for you just because we share a continent?” referring to reports of migrant mistreatment in South Africa.
Another post sarcastically suggested, “We’re rooting for Mexico so South Africa can go home early and protect their jobs,” echoing unfounded claims about foreigners being responsible for high unemployment rates in the country.
Prominent Kenyan lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi chimed in with a cautionary note: “I hope South Africa isn’t blaming African migrants for their 2-0 defeat and two red cards against Mexico.”
Despite the mockery, some fans embraced Mexican culture for the day, changing their profile pictures to Mexican flags and adopting Spanish names under the slogan “Mexico versus xenophobia.”
Congolese supporter Daniel Kaniki, attending a fan park in Atlanta, remarked, “Africa is like one country; if one is chasing others away, we are no longer a family. That’s why I’m supporting Mexico today.”
Not everyone shared this sentiment. Ghanaian fan Vanlare Quist expressed his pride in being African and supported South Africa, attributing anti-immigrant sentiments to a minority.
In South Sudan, fans gathered at public viewing centers in Juba to cheer for Bafana Bafana, linking their own struggle for independence to South Africa’s historic fight against apartheid.
”It was unfortunate to see some African nations supporting Mexico and even wearing their jerseys.
As South Sudanese, we stand with South Africa, they represent Africa. All African countries should support them during this World Cup,” stated 23-year-old student George Kenyi Charles Rehan.
The South African government praised Bafana Bafana for their “spirited performance,” acknowledging that while the outcome was not favorable, the team showcased unity, determination, and national pride on a global stage.
In response to the online trolling, South Africans asserted their independence, “We qualified for the World Cup on our own merit. Win or lose, we remain proud South Africans.
Illegal immigrants will leave our country regardless of your opinions,” one post read. Another added, “They can support Mexico all they want; we won’t back down. Come to South Africa legally.”
In recent weeks, migrants from other African nations have faced increasing violence and intimidation in South Africa, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration in the country.
Anti-immigrant organizations have established a deadline of June 30 for foreign nationals residing in the country without legal status to depart.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned against individuals taking matters into their own hands, emphasizing that “only authorized government representatives can take action against breaches of our laws.”
However, he also acknowledged that the grievances of South Africans “deserve attention and should be addressed.”
On Wednesday, Nigeria became the most recent African nation to begin repatriating some of its citizens from South Africa.
Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi have previously conducted evacuations, indicating that they are taking the threats against migrants seriously.
Many individuals from various regions of Africa migrated to South Africa following the end of white-minority rule in 1994, seeking improved living conditions.
Yet, with South Africa grappling with an unemployment rate exceeding 30%, anti-immigrant feelings have intensified, leading to protest marches in major urban areas and instances of xenophobic violence.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong