Twitter/X Trends in South Africa - Real-Time Analytics & Trending Hashtags

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On Thursday, Jackson Hinkle's X post labeling Taiwan a 'fake country' under China drew sharp rebuttals and support, spotlighting Taiwan's limited diplomatic recognition by only 12 UN members and the Holy See amid the unresolved Chinese Civil War. Taiwan governs 23 million people democratically, holds multiparty elections, maintains a 215,000-strong military, and receives U.S. arms support, including a recent $330 million package. Public opinion strongly favors the status quo or independence, with over 80% rejecting China's 'one country, two systems' model, reflecting broader geopolitical divides.

Key Takeaway

Influencer Jackson Hinkle declared Taiwan a 'fake country' that belongs to China, igniting a heated online clash viewed over 65,000 times. The post amplified longstanding tensions between China's unification claims and Taiwan's 76 years of independent self-governance.

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Bukayo Saka scored early after signing a new Arsenal deal, and Piero Hincapié added his first Gunners goal in the 56th minute. But Hugo Bueno pulled one back soon after, and debutant Tom Edozie equalized deep into stoppage time for a historic comeback—the first time a Premier League leader has lost a two-goal lead to a relegation-zone side. Arteta admitted the second-half collapse fell short of winning standards, while Saka called the dressing room flat; Arsenal hold a five-point lead over City but have dropped 11 points in a poor run of just two wins in seven games.

Key Takeaway

Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 lead at Molineux, only for Wolves to snatch a point with goals in the 61st and 94th minutes. Mikel Arteta fumed on the touchline as his team's title charge hit a major snag.

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Real Madrid edged Benfica 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie at Estádio da Luz, thanks to Vinícius Júnior's opener. Tensions erupted when Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt from 20 meters away, prompting referee François Letexier to invoke FIFA's anti-racism protocol as Real players claimed he called Vinícius 'mono' five times. Kylian Mbappé and Federico Valverde backed their teammate, while Benfica released footage denying the slur and coach José Mourinho insisted his club isn't racist; UEFA has opened a disciplinary probe that could ban Prestianni for 10 matches.

Key Takeaway

Vinícius Júnior celebrated his goal with a dance, but Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni's reaction stopped the Champions League match cold for nearly 10 minutes.

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The Sky Sports poll drew nearly a million views, splitting opinions right after Saka's five-year deal until 2031 made him Arsenal's highest earner at over £300,000 a week. The 24-year-old has 57 Premier League goals and 48 assists in 217 games, plus strong showings against top teams like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, helping Arsenal lead the table with 57 points from 26 matches. Pundits like Wayne Rooney say Arsenal lack world-class players, while Danny Murphy calls Saka a super talent who needs trophies to prove it—Arsenal's only win in his era is the 2020 FA Cup.

Key Takeaway

Bukayo Saka just signed a massive Arsenal contract extension, yet a simple poll asks if he's world class—and fans can't agree, with votes hovering around 60-40 against.

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Some Black users expressed discomfort with Black people rooting for Argentina in the World Cup due to Lionel Messi's influence despite Argentina's history of racism. Defenders highlighted hypocrisy in supporting nations like Portugal, France, and England with their own problematic pasts. The discussion escalated into Messi vs. Ronaldo debates and dismissals of racism claims as excuses for hating Messi.

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A photo featuring footballers including N'Golo Kanté standing while Declan Rice and Sergio Busquets are seated has sparked widespread online discussion and memes. Users question Declan Rice's inclusion and achievements compared to Kanté, Rodri, Paul Pogba, and Yaya Touré, with calls for others to stand so Kanté can sit.

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Leicester raced to a 3-0 lead with goals from Divine Mukasa, Patson Daka, and Abdul Fatawu, but Southampton mounted an epic second-half rally. Ross Stewart pulled one back on 61 minutes, Jack Stephens headed in on 82, Ryan Manning leveled three minutes later, and Charles sealed the winner deep in stoppage time. The victory boosts Southampton's playoff hopes while deepening Leicester's slump, now winless in six amid a points deduction. Commentator Adam Blackmore called it one of the best games in his 30-year career.

Key Takeaway

Down 3-0 at halftime, Southampton refused to quit. Shea Charles' 96th-minute rocket sent the away fans into absolute pandemonium at King Power Stadium.

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The Gunners' official account led the birthday tributes with a fist-pump graphic, joined by fan pages sharing highlight reels of Kiwior's Arsenal moments like his first goal in a 5-0 Wolves win and shutting down Kylian Mbappé in the 2025 quarterfinals. Now thriving on loan at FC Porto since September 2025—with 25 appearances, two assists, and a recent strong showing against Sporting CP—supporters plead for his North London return, fondly calling him the 'Polish Maldini.' Despite a muscle injury keeping him out today, the chorus grows: come home soon, Kuba.

Key Takeaway

Jakub Kiwior turns 26 today, and Arsenal fans are lighting up social media with memories of his clutch Champions League heroics against Real Madrid.

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The knockout stage draw, held Tuesday in Cairo, paired South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns against Mali's Stade Malien, with Sundowns hosting the first leg on March 13-14 before heading to Bamako for the return on March 20-21. Supporters celebrated the 'easy' draw after topping their group and beating MC Alger in playoffs, eyeing a potential semi-final against ES Tunis or 12-time winners Al Ahly. Pundits like Thomas Mlambo urged fans to dream big, as Sundowns chase their first Champions League title after a 2019 semi-final run.

Key Takeaway

Mamelodi Sundowns fans lit up with excitement after landing Stade Malien in the quarter-finals—a matchup that opens a promising path forward.

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The knockout stage draw, held Tuesday in Cairo, paired South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns against Mali's Stade Malien, with Sundowns hosting the first leg on March 13-14 before heading to Bamako for the return on March 20-21. Supporters celebrated the 'easy' draw after topping their group and beating MC Alger in playoffs, eyeing a potential semi-final against ES Tunis or 12-time winners Al Ahly. Pundits like Thomas Mlambo urged fans to dream big, as Sundowns chase their first Champions League title after a 2019 semi-final run.

Key Takeaway

Mamelodi Sundowns fans lit up with excitement after landing Stade Malien in the quarter-finals—a matchup that opens a promising path forward.

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