Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane is back in Egypt, a country he considers his second home, as the team prepares to face Eritrea and Egypt in Afcon qualifiers. Mosimane had a successful stint with Al Ahly, winning six trophies, including back-to-back CAF Champions League titles. His return to Egypt has been met with a warm reception, with many showing him love and appreciation. Mosimane expressed his gratitude for the reception, stating that it's like he never left.
Mosimane's Egypt connection is expected to boost Bafana Bafana's chances of winning against Eritrea, ranked 184th in the world and 50th in Africa. Bafana Bafana, on the other hand, is ranked 50th in the world and 10th in Africa. Despite the ranking difference, Mosimane emphasized the need to respect Eritrea, citing their ability to hold Kenya to a 1-1 draw in their first game. He also highlighted the threat posed by Eritrea's striker, Ali Suleiman, who plays for Al Masry and is known for his goal-scoring abilities.
A win against Eritrea would be crucial for Bafana Bafana's confidence ahead of their clash against Egypt, a team that has not had continental success since 2010 but remains a favorite to beat Bafana. Mosimane's team will be without injured players Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba, a double injury blow confirmed by the coach. The team will face Eritrea at the Al Salaam Stadium on Wednesday, September 30, and Egypt on Sunday, October 4, at Cairo International Stadium.
Mosimane's return to Egypt has also drawn attention from other teams, with Kenya coach Benni McCarthy believing that the coaching change could benefit his team when they meet Bafana in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers in November. McCarthy's comments highlight the impact of Mosimane's appointment on the team's dynamics and the attention it has garnered from other teams.
The Bafana Bafana team has been preparing for the Afcon qualifiers, with Mosimane emphasizing the importance of respecting their opponents. He noted that Eritrea has a striker who is a top goalscorer and can score from any angle, making them a threat to Bafana's targets. Mosimane's comments suggest that the team is taking a cautious approach, aware of the challenges posed by their opponents.
The Afcon qualifiers are an important milestone for Bafana Bafana, with the team seeking to make a strong impression under Mosimane's leadership. The coach's experience and success in Egypt are expected to be key factors in the team's performance. A win against Eritrea would be a significant step towards achieving their goals.
The matches against Eritrea and Egypt will be crucial in determining Bafana Bafana's prospects in the Afcon qualifiers. Mosimane's team will need to be at their best to overcome the challenges posed by their opponents. The team's performance will be closely watched, with many expecting them to make a strong impression under Mosimane's leadership.
Key points
- Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane returns to Egypt, his second home, to lead the team against Eritrea and Egypt in Afcon qualifiers.
