Malawians returning from South Africa face uncertain future

LILONGWE, Malawi 

Ahamadi Assani has returned to his home in Malawi after fleeing growing anti-immigrant hostility in South Africa. The continent’s biggest economy, South Africa is a magnet for migrants from neighboring countries.

"I left Malawi for South Africa in search of job opportunities so that I could support my family," Assani says. "I left on 22 February 2025 and when I got there everything was fine.“

But in recent weeks, citizen-led groups have targeted undocumented foreigners, blaming them for rising unemployment and increased pressure on public services. They set an unofficial deadline of June 30 for those migrants to leave the country.

"Even if the situation normalises, there is no way I can go back there," Assani says. "We used to run away from the police, and some migrants ended up being hit by cars. I would rather die here in poverty than go back to South Africa.”

"Luckily, I was among the people who were offered free transport to return home, but now we have nothing to do here for a living. I ran away from poverty and now I have come back to it again." 

For many returnees, rebuilding a livelihood in Malawi will be a major challenge after abandoning their jobs and lives across the border.

"I have returned home with nothing and I don't know how my children and I will survive," says returnee Hawa Troko.

Troko isn’t alone. Nearly 15,000 Malawians returning from South Africa are facing the same uncertainty in a country where 70 percent of the population lives below the poverty line.

Four die in Mexico City World Cup celebrations

MEXICO CITY, Mexico 

A 19-year-old woman is among three people to have died from suffocation during World Cup celebrations in Mexico City on Tuesday.

A 48-year-old woman and a 44-year-old man also died after crowds descended on the city following the country's 2-0 victory over Ecuador, the capital's health authority said on Wednesday.

City authorities later reported that a 30-year-old man also died in an epileptic crisis.

More than one million people took to the streets, mainly around the Angel of Independence monument in downtown, to mark the country's first World Cup knockout win since 1986, the city government said.

City Mayor Clara Brugada expressed her "most sincere condolences" to the victims' families and pledged support in the coming days.

Health authorities said emergency services had treated three unconscious people at different locations around Paseo de la Reforma before transporting them to hospital.

"After performing first aid and CPR techniques on the patients, they were transferred to a hospital for specialised medical care," the city's health authority said.

Three people were confirmed to have died from suffocation and identified by their families, it added.

In a social media post after the deaths were announced, Brugada urged fans to "always celebrate with responsibility, care, and empathy".

Mexico's victory sparked wild celebrations in the Estadio Azteca and across large parts of the city, where fireworks could be seen being lit long after the final whistle.

Prior to the football match, Brugada had told fans hoping to watch the game near the Angel of Independence monument to look elsewhere due to the huge crowds already gathered there.

More than 20 million people live in Mexico City's metropolitan area - making it one of the most densely populated places on the planet.

Tuesday's win sends Mexico into the World Cup's round of 16, where they now face England who beat DR Congo 2-1 on Wednesday.

Belgium pull off World Cup’s biggest comeback win over Senegal

SEATTLE, United States 

Youri Tielemans struck a 125th-minute penalty as Belgium rallied from two goals down and defeated Senegal 3-2 after extra time in their World Cup last ⁠-32 clash in Seattle to keep alive their title hopes, which had looked dead and buried.

Senegal’s Lamine Camara slid in on Tielemans as the ball flashed across the face of goal and conceded the spot kick after a ⁠⁠video assistant referee review, with the Belgian picking out the top corner to complete an extraordinary comeback on Wednesday.

Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had given Senegal a deserved 2-0 lead, and they looked to be cruising through to the next round before Belgium netted twice in the final four minutes through Romelu Lukaku and Tielemans to force extra time.

Belgium now face the winner of ‌‌Wednesday’s last-32 clash between cohosts United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the next round in Seattle on Monday.

It was cruel on Senegal, who controlled much of the 90 minutes, and struck the woodwork twice, but could not see out the game.

They became the fourth African side to bow out in a narrow defeat in the last 32 after South Africa, Ivory Coast, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and will wonder how they managed to let this one slip.

Senegal were inches away from the lead when Ismail Jakobs’s cross from the ⁠⁠left was parried by Thibaut Courtois, but a stretching Sarr could only steer the ⁠⁠loose ball onto the post.

When the African side did break the deadlock in the 25th minute, it was no surprise. Sadio Mane’s cross was headed goal-wards by Sarr, but his effort came off the post again.

This time, the loose ball fell kindly for Diarra, and he side-footed home ⁠⁠from 7 yards.

Maxim De Cuyper forced an excellent save from Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw with a shot that looked to be heading into the top corner as Belgium trailed ⁠⁠at the break.

Belgium brought on Lukaku for the ineffective ⁠⁠Charles De Ketelaere at half-time, but were soon 2-0 down.

A stunning long pass from Moussa Niakhate was brilliantly controlled on the chest by Sarr, who held off two defenders before thundering the ball into the net in the 51st minute.

Belgium struggled to create clear-cut chances until the final five minutes, ‌‌and almost out of nowhere turned the game on its head by netting twice in three minutes.

First, Lukaku turned the ball in at the near post from Thomas Meunier’s low cross, and Leandro Trossard’s ball into the box from ‌‌deep ‌‌was headed into the net by Tielemans.

Those two had been involved in a heated exchange earlier in the match, but it was all smiles and hugs when the equaliser went in, before Tielemans was central again in the winner.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 2/7/2026

 

Kane double fires England to comeback win over DR Congo at World Cup 2026

ATLANTA, United States 

Harry Kane rescued England from a seismic World Cup shock with two late goals to beat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2-1 in Atlanta and secure a place in the last 16.

Aiming to end a 60-year wait to win a major tournament, Thomas Tuchel’s men escaped humiliation and one of England’s worst-ever World Cup exits on Wednesday thanks to their talismanic captain after Brian Cipenga’s early goal gave DR Congo an early lead.

But the Three Lions will need to improve for the daunting task of facing cohosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in the last 16 on Sunday.

Already England’s all-time top goalscorer in the competition, Kane now has 13 World Cup goals and moves onto five for the tournament to remain in the star-studded battle for the Golden Boot.

Defeat ended DR Congo’s fairytale run on their return to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.

The Leopards had never even won a point or scored a goal at the World Cup until a few weeks ago, but had one of the tournament favourites teetering on the brink of elimination.

Tuchel made two changes from the victory over Panama as Declan Rice returned in midfield, while Djed Spence came in at right-back with Reece James and Jarell Quansah both ruled out through injury.

The German coach’s decision not to select more specialist right-back cover in a 26-man squad will face more scrutiny after DR Congo took the lead down that flank.

Spence was caught under Chancel Mbemba’s cross as the ball fell for Cipenga. The Almeria winger’s shot was low and hard, but Jordan Pickford should still have kept it out at his near post.

The vast majority of the nearly 70,000 crowd decked out in England red and white were silenced, while Tuchel’s players were visibly rattled.

Jude Bellingham was shown a yellow card for a lunge and was then involved in a heated exchange with his coach during the mid-half hydration break.

The stoppage in play at least allowed Tuchel the chance to restore order.

Bellingham’s powerful header from Rice’s cross finally forced DR Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi into action.

Moments later Marcus Rashford’s powerful effort was blocked on the line by London-born Aaron Wan-Bissaka after Noni Madueke’s jinking run opened up the DR Congo defence.

Yet it could have been even worse for England at the break.

Yoane Wissa’s three goals in the group stage fired his country to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time, and the Newcastle striker had a golden chance to double the DR Congo lead but hit the outside of the post from point-blank range.

At the other end, Kane was furious when he went down as he tried to round Mpasi, but the referee refused to point to the spot.

Le Harve stopper Mpasi’s inspired afternoon continued as he flew to his right to parry another bullet header from Bellingham and then denied Kane from a corner with the last action of the first half.

After a bright start to the second period, England were beginning to run out of ideas until Tuchel unloaded his offensive weapons off the bench.

Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze were sent on by Tuchel in search of an equaliser.

And it was new Barcelona-signing Gordon who provided the cross as Kane finally found a way past Mpasi with a downward header 15 minutes from time.

Gordon also got the assist for the 86th-minute winner, but Kane did the hard work as he rifled a powerful drive into the roof of the net for his 84th international goal.

Tuchel told reporters that his side had “kept believing” to secure a deserved victory.

“We have to have that mindset. If it is getting hard, don’t lose patience, don’t lose belief,” he said.

“It was incredible the kind of saves [Mpasi] had, but full credit to the mindset the [England] players showed.”

Kane said DR Congo were a tough team and singled out the “incredible” Mpasi for praise.

“You have to stay patient in these games. The last couple of games were very similar. In knockout football, the pressure and stakes are higher,” he said.

“It was probably our best game of the tournament so far. This one and the next one will be difficult games. [Next we are] away in Mexico against Mexico. We are in the part of the tournament where we have to grind out results.”

Zimbabwean parliament approves extending presidential term by two years

HARARE, Zimbabwe

Sweeping changes to Zimbabwe's constitution that will extend the presidential term by two years sailed through their final parliamentary hurdle Tuesday, now requiring only President Emmerson Mnangagwa's signature to become law.

The amendments, which also scrap direct presidential elections, have been sharply criticised by opposition figures in the country where 83-year-old Mnangagwa's Zanu-PF party holds a parliamentary majority.

The National Assembly voted 226 to 41, the speaker announced, to accept the changes proposed by the Senate when it agreed to the new legislation on June 24. The raft of changes - labelled a "constitutional coup" by critics - includes a provision that would extend the presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.

This means that the last of Mnangagwa's constitutionally limited two terms would be extended until 2030. Another amendment gives parliament the power to appoint the president, doing away with direct presidential elections that were introduced in 1987, seven years after independence.

However, the later changes also open the way for a president to begin a fresh seven-year term when elected by parliament, lawyer and leading opposition figure Doug Coltart told our reporter.

This loophole could also allow parliament "to continually renew its own mandate without ever returning to the electorate," he said.

"It's an interpretation that we are now going to have to fight," Coltart said. Zimbabwe's opposition, weakened by years of repression and tainted elections, charges that the amendments will entrench Zanu-PF's grip on power in the resource-rich nation, which it has governed since independence in 1980.

Mnangagwa - nicknamed "The Crocodile" because of his ruthlessness - came to power in 2017 in a military-backed coup that ousted Robert Mugabe at the age of 93 and after 37 years in power.

Mexico beat Ecuador 2-0 to reach World Cup last-16 and break 40-year curse

MEXICO CITY, Mexico 

Mexico turned on the style at their iconic Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, brushing Ecuador aside 2-0 to break their FIFA World Cup knockout curse dating back 40 years.

Former Mexico player Andres Guardado is thrown in the air in celebration by the players after the match, as Mexico qualify for the round of 16 stage of the World Cup

The round-of-32 match was delayed for an hour due to stormy weather, and when it started, the co-hosts flew out of the blocks, mounting wave after wave of attacks.

In a supercharged atmosphere, Julian Quinones gave Mexico a deserved lead midway through the first half with a thunderous strike, and then turned provider for Raul Jimenez.

Ecuador desperately needed to wrest back the momentum after the break but struggled to shift through the gears, with the home side largely in control.

Mexico had not won a World Cup knockout game since 1986, when it last hosted the tournament.

Tuesday’s win means Mexico are now unbeaten in 10 World Cup games at the Azteca and will fancy their chances against England or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16.

Mexico were one of only three teams in the group phase to win all three of their matches, alongside title favourites France and reigning champions Argentina, and did not concede a single goal.

Ecuador finished third in their group, scoring just two goals.

Gilberto Mora, 17, was named in the starting line-up for Mexico, becoming the second-youngest player to start a knockout match at the World Cup finals behind Brazil legend Pele in 1958.

The home team started on the front foot, refusing to allow a shell-shocked Ecuador to settle.

Jimenez wasted a glorious headed chance in the seventh minute, and Mora flashed just wide.

At the other end, John Yeboah muscled his way into the penalty area in a rare foray forward for the visitors, clipping the outside of the near post.

Mexico took the lead in the 22nd minute when Saudi-based Quinones received the ball from Roberto Alvarado and tore down the left before driving into the box and unleashing an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez, raising the roof.

The first hydration break failed to change the script, and Mexico doubled their lead after half an hour when Quinones fed Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jimenez, who fired a rocket into the top corner.

Raul Rangel produced a fine save to keep out another Yeboah effort, as Ecuador got a foothold in the match, but chances kept flowing at the other end.

Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece made several changes after the break in an effort to find a way back into the match. But Mexico, largely content to sit back, still looked the more threatening team, with Cesar Montes twice going close.

Ecuador substitute Kevin Rodriguez poked just wide with just over a quarter of an hour remaining, but their chances ran out. Piero Hincapie was sent off in stoppage time after covering his mouth during a confrontation with an opposition player to cap a miserable night for Ecuador.

Mexico will hope the Azteca, which hosted the World Cup final in 1970 and 1986, works its magic again in the last 16 on Sunday.

From the quarterfinals onwards, all the matches at the World Cup will be taking place in the United States.

Mbappe double sends France into World Cup last 16

NEW JERSEY, United States 

Kylian Mbappe scored twice as France eased into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday.

Michael Olise produced another outstanding display, setting up two goals as Didier Deschamps' side booked a meeting with Paraguay after a dominant performance at MetLife Stadium.

France controlled proceedings from the opening whistle and twice struck the woodwork before finally making the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time.

Mbappe was first denied by the post after meeting Jules Kounde's low cross, before Olise came within inches of a spectacular goal when his overhead kick crashed against the upright.

The pressure eventually told when Ousmane Dembele and Olise worked a short corner, allowing Mbappe to fire home his fifth goal of the tournament just before the interval.

France doubled their advantage eight minutes into the second half through Bradley Barcola.

Olise threaded a superb pass through the Sweden defence and Barcola made no mistake, rifling his finish beyond Jacob Widell Zetterstrom.

The Crystal Palace forward was at the heart of everything France created and deservedly claimed a second assist when he slipped another perfectly weighted pass into Mbappe's path.

The France captain curled a composed finish into the far corner to wrap up the victory and take his World Cup tally to 18 goals, moving him within one of Lionel Messi's all-time tournament record.

Sweden, who had impressed to reach the knockout rounds, struggled to impose themselves against one of the tournament favourites, with Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Anthony Elanga all largely kept quiet by the French defence.

France will now face Paraguay in the Round of 16, while Sweden's World Cup campaign comes to an end after being outclassed by Les Bleus.

EAST AFRICA NEWSPAPERS 1/7/2026

 

Haaland scores late as Norway send Ivory Coast out of World Cup

TEXAS, United States 

Erling Haaland came to the rescue with a late 2-1 winner as Norway won a World Cup knock-out match for the first time, in the round of 32 against Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

Haaland did not hit the ball cleanly in the 86th minute off a great cut back from Patrick Berg but it was enough to cross the line for the Manchester City star's fifth goal of the tournament, one behind leader Lionel Messi of Argentina.

The win sent Norway into a last 16 tie with record winners Brazil on Sunday, where Haaland will square off against Vinícius Júnior.

Antonio Nusa put Norway 1-0 up in the 39th with a stunning curling shot into the top corner.

Ivory Coast's equalizer in the 74th from substitute Amad Diallo was as classy after a one-two with Nicolas Pepé, after Diallo had minutes earlier cleared on his goal-line.

But Norway had the last laugh to win a knock-out match on their third attempt, having lost last 16 matches in 1938 and 1998.

Ivory Coast had reached the knock-outs for the first time and came very close to another equalizer when a sensational free-kick from Diallo was saved by Norway goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland deep into stoppage time.

Heavy security deployed in South Africa ahead of anti-migrant protests

By Khanyisile Ngcobo, JOHANNESBURG South Africa 

Police officers have been deployed across South Africa because of fears that anti-immigration protests could turn violent as President Cyril Ramaphosa urged those planning to take part to do so without "intimidation, threats or ultimatums".

The planned protests mark an unofficial deadline set by campaigners for all undocumented foreigner to leave the country.

Many have already fled to escape violence and intimidation. South African police say 25,000 have been repatriated so far. Most are from other African countries.

One undocumented Malawian told this reporter he was "happy to be going back" but "heartbroken" to be leaving behind four young children.

Johannesburg, where one of the protests is planned, is unusually quiet.

All the shops in the vicinity of where marchers are due to gather are closed, while police visibility is high on the city's major streets.

Police said that five people were arrested in Johannesburg's biggest township, Soweto, for allegedly looting a foreign-owned shop.

Five people were also arrested for allegedly breaking into a tuck shop in Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal province.

Many businesses in central Durban, the main city in the province, are shut.

Ramaphosa has repeatedly warned demonstrators to act peacefully and responsibly, while also accepting the need for immigration reforms.

"Some foreign nationals who live in South Africa are here lawfully," he reminded citizens in his weekly newsletter.

"They work, study, raise families, invest in our economy and contribute positively to our society. They too are entitled to the protection of our laws and our Constitution.

"The right to protest and freedom of expression does not allow people to threaten or intimidate others, or to engage in acts of vandalism or violence," he wrote.

There are more than three million documented foreign nationals in South Africa, according to official figures.

Ahead of the deadline, thousands of migrants have been awaiting processing in temporary camps for several weeks out of fear for their safety.

In Durban, which has seen some of the biggest protests, white tents housing mostly Malawians are being dismantled as authorities race to clear the transit camp.

Women in colourful sarongs sat on top of their belongings, waiting in line to board a bus home to Malawi.

One man, Nelson Mbewe, said he had gone to South Africa in search of employment to support his family in Malawi.

"But we've faced challenges - they're saying we should go back home because we do not have the right documents," he told the reporter.

"They say we are Makwerekwere" - a xenophobic slur used to refer to African migrants from other countries - Mbewe said.

"It's their country, so what can we do? That's why we have accepted that we just have to [unwillingly] go back home."

Hassan Phiri, a Malawian who is still waiting to be processed, had a message for the protesters.

"All I want to say to South Africans is that we are all one. No matter what is happening, no matter what will happen, Africa must remain Africa.

"Africa can't be Africa without South Africa... without Malawi, without anywhere," he said, adding: "So whatever will happen, we must love each other and stick together as Africa."

Anti-migrant marches have been authorised for Tuesday in Durban, Johannesburg and other cities.

The authorities have warned organisers to ensure there is no violence but say they are prepared for any potential disruption.

The police say traditional weapons are not allowed. This could lead to tension between protesters and the police because many of the protesters are ethnic Zulus, and take their shields, whips and sticks when they go on marches.

According to the government, more than 12,000 immigrants have been deported or repatriated since a wave of protests began earlier this year.

Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe have been organising repatriations by air or bus over the last few weeks - with about 3,500 foreigners volunteering to leave.

South African authorities claim more than 500 Nigerians repatriated did not have correct papers, which Nigeria has disputed.

Xenophobia has long been an issue in South Africa, and has in many cases lead to violence.

According to the African Centre for Migration and Society's (ACMS) xenophobic violence tracker Xenowatch, two people have been killed this year.

In 2008, more than 60 people died during a wave of rioting against non-South Africans.