South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has ignited debate on social media after urging Angola to ‘beat Zimbabwe very hard’ at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

McKenzie made the comment on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after Bafana Bafana defeated Angola in their opening Group B match, responding to a congratulatory message from the Angolan side.

Angola congratulates Bafana after narrow loss

Despite suffering defeat against South Africa, Angola struck a positive tone online, praising Bafana Bafana for an entertaining contest.

“Well that was… entertaining. Congratulations to South Africa 👏🏿. We move onto the next game and keep pushing,” Angola posted on X.

The message drew a reply from McKenzie, who acknowledged the scare Angola gave Hugo Broos’ side before shifting focus to their upcoming clash with Zimbabwe.

“Please beat Zimbabwe very hard” – McKenzie

“You guys gave us a real scare,” McKenzie wrote. “Please beat Zimbabwe very hard, let them not qualify for the next round. Zimbabwe celebrated our near non-qualification for WC (the World Cup) like they had won the World Cup.”

The comment immediately caught attention online, with football fans across the region weighing in on the minister’s remarks.

Some users criticised McKenzie, arguing that his comments were unbecoming of a government minister and risked inflaming regional tensions during a continental tournament.

“Come on Gayton. We don’t hold grudges in sport,” @Dinakedi responded.

@Gmuchinerepi said: “Don’t talk too soon. Zimbabwe might lose to Angola and may still go on to beat Bafana Bafana.”

Others, however, defended him, saying football rivalries are often emotional and that the minister was merely engaging in banter common among fans during major competitions like AFCON.

“Football banter is fun, but honestly, Zimbabwe played with heart,” said @majabulastrong. “These qualifiers are unpredictable — anyone can shock anyone. Let’s just enjoy the games and hope the best teams make it through.”

Supporters also pointed out that McKenzie referenced past celebrations by Zimbabwean fans during South Africa’s struggles in World Cup qualification, suggesting his response was driven by football rivalry rather than malice.

Focus remains on AFCON group battles

The exchange adds extra spice to an already competitive AFCON group, with Angola and Zimbabwe both still fighting for progression to the knockout stages.

Zimbabwe will face Angola on 26 December in a crucial Group B clash at the AFCON tournament in Morocco, as the Warriors look to boost their chances of progressing.

On the same day, South Africa take on seven-time champions Egypt, a heavyweight encounter expected to shape the balance of power in the group.