Confederation of African Football (CAF) Media Officer Ibrahim Sannie Daara has urged Africans not to allow xenophobic tensions in South Africa to influence their support for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking in an interview with Kafui Dey, the former Ghana Football Association Communications Director said he understood why some Africans supported Mexico during South Africa’s opening match, but insisted football should remain a symbol of continental unity.
“There have been problems, but as Africans, we are brothers,” Daara said.
“I supported South Africa. Despite all the problems, I think that we are Africans first.”
South Africa has experienced recurring waves of xenophobic violence in recent years, with foreign nationals, including citizens from several African countries, becoming targets of attacks.
The latest tensions have prompted governments across the continent to act. Ghana has repatriated more than 500 of its nationals from South Africa, while Malawi and other countries have also assisted citizens returning home amid growing calls by anti-immigrant groups for undocumented migrants to leave the country before a June 30 deadline.
Despite those developments, Daara said it would be unfair to judge an entire nation by the actions of a minority.
“I was in South Africa three weeks ago. Very welcoming people,” he said.
“South Africans are very warm people.”
He called on Africans to separate football from political and social tensions and continue supporting all African representatives at the World Cup.
“I’ll plead with fellow Africans to lay down their arms and wear the Bafana Bafana jersey and support Bafana Bafana for the rest of the matches.”
Daara believes backing African teams on the global stage demonstrates continental solidarity and strengthens Africa’s image, regardless of political disagreements between nations.
South Africa opened their World Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico, while fellow African representatives Ivory Coast, Morocco, Egypt and Cape Verde all produced encouraging performances in the opening round of the tournament.
