Long before kick-off, many Africans on social media had already chosen their side in South Africa's World Cup opener against Mexico — and it wasn't Bafana Bafana.
Amid ongoing xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa, support for Mexico gathered pace online, with users from across the continent openly backing the North American side ahead of the match.
As the game unfolded, timelines were flooded with posts cheering every Mexican attack, turning Mexico into an unlikely fan favourite among some African supporters.
When the final whistle confirmed Mexico's victory, upon thrashing the worthless, hopeless 9 men Bafana Bafana, 2 goals to nil, social media exploded with memes, jokes and celebratory messages. Some users described the result as "karma," while others said it reflected frustration over the treatment of fellow Africans living and working in South Africa.
