/ 6 March 2014

Zuma booed after Bafana lose to Brazil

President Jacob Zuma.
President Jacob Zuma.

President Jacob Zuma received a hostile reception when he walked onto the pitch at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.

Jeers and boos rang out as Zuma's name was called out and he walked to the field for the post-match ceremony following the international friendly between Bafana Bafana and Brazil.

Brazil won the friendly match 5-0.

Zuma was handing over the hosting of the Fifa World Cup to Brazil, who are the host nation for the 2014 edition later this year. He was joined on a stage by Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula, South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan, as well as several Brazilian dignitaries, who received a commemorative plaque marking the event.

Zuma was famously booed at the memorial service of former state president Nelson Mandela, at the same venue, in December last year.

Hat-trick magic
Meanwhile, Barcelona star Neymar scored a superb hat-trick to help Brazil record its win over Bafana Bafana.

The 22-year-old wonderkid netted either side of half-time with two outstanding touches after Oscar put Brazil ahead 11 minutes into the game.

Manchester City midfielder Fernandinho added a fourth from distance, sinking into the top corner to all but put the result to bed 10 minutes from time.

But Neymar would have the last say, adding the finishing touches in the final minute of regular time as Bafana suffered their worst ever defeat in front of a massive home crowd at Soccer City.

Having brought a full-strength side to South Africa, for what was to be Brazil's final fixture before their 23-man 2014 World Cup squad will be announced, Scolari named a formidable starting lineup, with the likes of Julio Cesar, Thiago Silva, Fernandinho and David Luiz all handed a starting role.

Brazil kept up the pressure and held on to the ball as Bafana looked to find a way back into the game, Williams making a last-ditch stop to deny Neymar the Samba Boys' second midway through the half.

Having been in scintillating form throughout, Neymar sealed his hat-trick, notching up his 30th international goal from a simple headed effort dead in front of goal, rounding-off a dominant display in Johannesburg. – Sapa