Ex-EPL Star: I Could Get 10 Of My Friends Together And Beat South Africa

Former Premier League star Gabriel Agbonlahor - who has zero World Cup appearances to his name - suggested that he could he could assemble "10 friends" and beat South Africa following their 2-0 defeat to Mexico.

Hugo Broos' side will be hoping to respond when they take on Czechia in a crucial Group A clash on Thursday after a disappointing start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

With their Round of 32 hopes hanging in the balance, Bafana will be determined to show that their opening performance was merely a setback rather than a reflection of their true quality.

Agbonlahor Unimpressed By South Africa's Display

The former Aston Villa forward was highly critical of South Africa's showing against the tournament hosts, suggesting that the performance left little room for encouragement.

Perhaps judging Bafana largely on that one display against Mexico, Agbonlahor did not hold back with his assessment.

"I really think I could get 10 of my friends together and beat South Africa," he said on talkSPORT.

"And the scary thing is, is that they are not going to be the worst team in the tournament."

Burnley Star Foster Also Comes Under Fire

Agbonlahor also singled out Burnley striker Lyle Foster, admitting he expected much more from one of South Africa's few players currently competing in one of Europe's top leagues.

"They couldn't string three passes together. And Lyle Foster, I expected a lot more from him, who plays for Burnley. Premier League.

"He did nothing. He was nervous, he was passing the ball out of play. They were terrible."

Agbonlahor Gives Verdict On Mexico's Opening Goal

The former England international also shared his thoughts on the error that led to Mexico's opening goal.

Bafana found themselves behind after Yaya Sithole lost possession near his own penalty area following a pass from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, allowing Julian Quinones to capitalise.

Agbonlahor felt the blame should not fall on Williams despite the move beginning with the goalkeeper's distribution.

"I'm just thinking to myself, it's your first game of the World Cup, away in Mexico against the hosts, the first 10 minutes.

"I know the keeper's having himself. He's a good goalkeeper with his feet.

"But why are you passing to the midfielder there? It's not the keeper's fault, in a sense. It's the midfielder (Sithole).

"If you're passing to him there, he's got to be good enough to take a touch and play it out to the centre half. It's not the keeper's fault, in a sense, that you've got to be good enough."

'England, Brazil And France Would Win 10-0'

The outspoken pundit then doubled down on his criticism by suggesting South Africa would struggle badly against some of world football's traditional heavyweights.

"If that South Africa team were in the same group as England, Brazil and France, it's a 10-nil."

Bafana will have an immediate opportunity to answer some of their critics when they face Czechia, knowing that a positive result could reignite their World Cup campaign and shift the narrative surrounding their disappointing opening performance.