“We Lost Before It Even Started”: South African Activist Jacinta Blames Hugo Broos for Mexico Defeat

• South Africa lost 2-0 to co-hosts Mexico in the 2026 World Cup opening game on June 11
• Bafana Bafana received two red cards, hampering their chances of a comeback in Mexico City
• Activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma reacted, blaming one person for the team's poor showing

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, the South African activist leading an anti-immigration crackdown in the country, has reacted to the nation's loss in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener.

Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, in the first game of the 2026 tournament.

South Africa loses 2-0 to Mexico

In a match dominated by El Tri, South Africa fell behind in the ninth when Julian Quinones fired home from the edge of the box after a defensive mix-up.

Bafana Bafana lived on the edge but managed to see out the first half without conceding a second goal.

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However, their hopes of getting an equaliser suffered a jolt after defender Yaya Sithole was sent off for a foul after a Mexican forward had broken through on goal.

With their numerical advantage, Mexico scored their second goal 17 minutes later through former Fulham forward Raul Jimenez.

South Africa's attempts to get back into the game were effectively dashed in the 83rd minute when Themba Zwane was shown a red card.

Even though Mexico's Cesar Montes was also sent off in injury time, the co-hosts saw out the game.

Watch YouTube highlights of the South Africa and Mexico game:

Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma blames Hugo Broos for defeat

Reacting to the defeat, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma blamed South Africa's coach, Hugo Broos, and his staff for the results.

According to Jacinta, whose activities with the March and March movement have caused widespread disaffection, the coach's team selection was poor.

"Absolutely the coach's fault… from the line-up we knew we lost the game before it even started," she said.

See the Facebook post below:

Ghanaians taunt Jacinta over South Africa defeat

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The comments section of Jacinta's take on South Africa's defeat was full of reactions from Ghanaians and other Africans, many of whom taunted her.

YEN.com.gh compiled some reactions below.

Kofi Osei said:

"Jacinta Zinhle MaNgobese Zuma. Please don’t let them go and loot the coach’s house. We know what you and your people are capable of."

Kobby Blay said:

"I am sure you even blame God for who you are...healing is coming."

Thabang Baloyi said:

"Even if South Africa is playing alone, we will support the stadium."

Eneles Phambala said:

"The second guy who received a red card thought he was in his khantre doing xenophobia. ayii vayolensi everywhere. Mara, why?"

Jacinta reacts as SA authorities take action

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma had been dragged to court by the South African Human Rights Commission over her anti-immigration group's actions

In a viral video, she broke down and called on her supporters to storm the Durban High Court on June 2, when her case relating to March and March group would be heard.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh