"We Lost Before it Even Started": South African Activist Jacinta Blames Hugo Broos for Mexico Defeat

"We Lost Before it Even Started": South African Activist Jacinta Blames Hugo Broos for Mexico Defeat

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

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

Jacinta Ngobese Zuma, South Africa, Bafana Bafana, Mexico, World Cup Match, South Africa loses to Mexico, Hugo Broos
South African activist Jacinta Ngobese Zuma names who she thinks is responsible for Bafana Bafana's defeat to Mexico in the World Cup. Photo source: @jacintangobese, @bafanabafana
Source: Instagram

South Africa suffered a 2-0 defeat by co-hosts, Mexico, at the Azteca on Thursday, June 11, in the first game of the 2026 World Cup.

South Africa loses 2-0 to Mexico

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

The 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 on the close to their penalty 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 the red card. Even though Mexico's Cesar Montes was also sent in injury time, the co-hosts saw out the game.

Watch YouTube highlights of the South Africa and Mexico game:

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Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma blames Hugo Broos for defeat

Reacting to the defeat, Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma blamed their coach, Hugo Broos, and his staff for the results.

According to Jacinta, whose activities with the March and March movement have caused a lot of disaffection for the South African team across Africa, 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:

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Ghanaians taunt Jacinta over South Africa defeat

The comment 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 Ngobese-Zuma, South African anti-immigration, SAHRC lawsuit, Durban High Court, immigration crackdown, March and March, illegal immigrants South Africa
South African anti-Immigrant activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma calls for backup from supporters after being dragged to court by the South African Human Rights Commission. Image credit: @matigary
Source: Facebook

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 (SAHRC) over her anti-immigration group's actions

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In a viral video, Jacinta broke down and called on her supporters to storm the Durban High Court on June 2, when her case was set to be heard.

The SAHRC's lawsuit centred on March and March's actions blocking immigrants from receiving life-saving healthcare at South African hospitals.

Source: YEN.com.gh

Authors:
Jeffrey Owusu-Mensah avatar

Jeffrey Owusu-Mensah (HOD Entertainment) Jeffrey is the Head of the Entertainment Desk and a graduate of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) with over 15 years of experience in journalism. He started as a reporter with Ghana News Agency (GNA). He joined Primnewsghana.com in 2016 as an editor. He moved to YEN.com.gh in 2017 as an editor and has risen to his current position. You can contact him via e-mail: j.owusu-mensah@yen.com.gh