Bafana Bafana's strikers will be under pressure to deliver when South Africa face Eritrea in their second AFCON 2027 qualifier in Cairo on Wednesday. The team made a winning start against Guinea on Saturday, but neither of their goals came from a recognised striker. Defenders, centre-back Ime Okon opened the scoring before substitute left-back Samukele Kabini struck the winner, after Guinea had equalised through Seydouba Cisse.
The performance highlighted one of the areas Pitso Mosimane will be keen to improve as Bafana continue their qualification campaign. Mosimane's squad currently lacks recognised strikers, with Lyle Foster not part of the current squad after moving to Houston Dynamo on loan, while Evidence Makgopa is unavailable as he continues his recovery from injury. This leaves Iqraam Rayners and Yanela Mbuthuma as the two recognised central-striker options in Mosimane's squad.
Rayners started against Guinea but was replaced by Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma in the second half. Rayners will be hoping for another opportunity to lead the line against Eritrea, while Mbuthuma will have gained confidence from his involvement in Kabini's winning goal. Mbuthuma has also earned Mosimane's backing despite questions over his goalscoring record, with the Bafana coach previously pointing to his physical presence and hunger.
Mosimane has already acknowledged that finding depth in the position is a challenge. "We don't score easily, we score two out of six maybe," Mosimane said after the Guinea victory. That statistic could become particularly relevant against Eritrea, who held Kenya to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group D qualifier. South Africa are expected to have more possession and territory again, but Mosimane's side will need to be more clinical if they are to avoid another nervy finish.
The coach does have attacking options who can contribute goals, with Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Cassius Mailula and Luther Singh all capable of threatening the opposition. However, there is still a difference between having goals throughout the team and having a striker who consistently converts the chances created. Against Guinea, Bafana created enough opportunities to win more comfortably but needed a late goal from Kabini to secure the points.
With South Africa chasing another three points in a group where only one non-host nation will qualify, Mosimane will want greater efficiency in front of goal. The defenders rescued Bafana against Guinea, but against Eritrea, the question is whether the strikers can finally take centre stage. Mosimane has dismissed claims of club bias, insisting Bafana Bafana players must adapt to his tactical system rather than sticking to club habits.
As Bafana Bafana prepares for the match against Eritrea, the team will look to improve their goal-scoring record and make a strong statement in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. The match will be a crucial test for Mosimane's side, and the coach will be hoping that his strikers can rise to the challenge and secure a win for South Africa.
Key points
- Bafana Bafana will be without recognised strikers Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa for the match against Eritrea.
- The team's coach, Pitso Mosimane, has acknowledged the challenge of finding depth in the striker position.
- South Africa will face Eritrea in their second AFCON 2027 qualifier in Cairo on Wednesday.
