South Africa secured a convincing 5-0 win over Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, October 2, 2026. Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice in the first half, while Sphephelo Sithole, Iqraam Rayners, and substitute Luther Singh added to the tally in the second half. This victory follows their 2-1 home win against Guinea on Saturday, leaving Bafana Bafana with a perfect record in Group D of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers.
Mofokeng opened the scoring in the 19th minute after an excellent pass from Oswin Appollis sent him clear. He kept his composure and rolled the ball beyond the goalkeeper for his first international goal. Mofokeng had already struck the post from outside the penalty area and was proving a constant threat to the Eritrean defence. He doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time with a superb individual effort, showing quick feet to work his way past several defenders inside the penalty area before firing into the bottom corner.
South Africa emerged for the second half intent on finishing the contest and added a third goal seven minutes after the restart. Appollis' shot was parried by the Eritrea goalkeeper, and Sithole was on hand to turn home the rebound for his second international goal. The win was achieved without injured pair Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba, while Bathusi Aubaas was forced off after only 11 minutes and replaced by Brooklyn Poggenpoel.
Rayners made it 4-0 in the 63rd minute after Mofokeng released him into space, with the Mamelodi Sundowns forward producing a composed finish. Bafana continued to dominate possession and create chances, although goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was forced into an excellent save in the second half as Eritrea searched for a consolation.
There was still time for a fifth goal in second-half stoppage time as Appollis supplied another assist and substitute Singh arrived at the back post to tap home. This win leaves South Africa with six points from their opening two matches in Group D, with co-hosts Kenya already assured of their place at the 2027 finals.
Only the highest-placed side among South Africa, Guinea, and Eritrea will join Kenya from the pool. Bafana will remain in Cairo and next face Egypt in a friendly on Sunday before returning to qualification action later in the year. The victory marked a winning start for Pitso Mosimane since returning to the Bafana Bafana job.
The emphatic win marked a significant step forward for South Africa in their qualification campaign. With their next match against Egypt, they will look to build on their momentum and continue their winning streak. The team's performance was a testament to their skill and determination, and they will look to carry this form into their future matches.
Key points
- Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice in the first half to help South Africa secure a 5-0 win over Eritrea.
- South Africa have a perfect record in Group D of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers with six points from two matches.
- The win marked a winning start for Pitso Mosimane since returning to the Bafana Bafana job.
