‘Bafana Bafana were defending Tshabalala’s goal! Chiefs have had terrible performances but Mamelodi Pirates take the cup’

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‘Bafana Bafana were defending Tshabalala’s goal! Chiefs have had terrible performances but Mamelodi Pirates take the cup’
Mbekezeli Mbokazi of South Africa clears the ball while playing against Mexico. Image: Imago

Bafana Bafana started the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the wrong footing as they fell to Mexico 2-0 on Thursday night at the Azteca Stadium.

Hugo Broos men – who had Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane sent off, struggled from the onset as El Tri – who also ended with 1o men following a red card to Cesar Montes, dominated the proceedings to eventually claim maximum points in Group A.

Themba Zwane of South Africa receives a red card against Mexico.
Themba Zwane of South Africa receives a red card against Mexico. Image: Imago

The result and tactics were not amusing to a majority of the football supporters back at home. Have a look at their arguments as compiled by Afrik-Foot.

Bafana Bafana lost because Cross didn’t start

Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross
Kaizer Chiefs defender Bradley Cross. Photo: Kaizer Chiefs

Bafana Bafana is proof that you can qualify for an exam and still fail – Mthokozisi Nkabinde

We said Patrick Maswanganyi, they said Themba Zwane. We said Brandon Petersen, they said they don’t know him personally – Murendi Nathaniel Khorommbi

Argentina lost the first game of the 2022 World Cup and went on to win it. We are taking the World Cup – Boohle Makhanda

As South Africans, we asked him about Thembinkosi Lorch; he said he is old, but when we asked who is older between Zwane and Lorch, he said Zwane has experience. The rest was history; as Amakhosi fans, we are satisfied – Godfrey Chego

The reason why they lost it’s because Bradley Cross was not in the starting lineup – Lawrence Figow Monku

You can’t play with eight defenders and win!

Raul Jimenez heads home Mexico's second goal against South Africa.
Raul Jimenez heads home Mexico’s second goal against South Africa. Image: Imago

We are defending with Mamelodi Sundowns, attacking with Orlando Pirates, and scoring with Mexican Chiefs – Musa Swa

I have seen terrible performance from Kaizer Chiefs, but this one from Mamelodi Pirates takes a cup – Dumisani Sihamba NeChalaha Zungu

You can’t play with eight defenders and tw strikers and expect to win. All you’re doing is inviting pressure, mistakes, and red cards – Satoshi Nakamoto

South Africa were defending that 2010 goal by Siphiwe Tshabalala – Matjomane Koketso 

Ronwen Williams and Mbekezeli Mbokazi were fighting for the South African jersey, while the rest were on vacation

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.

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