South Africa's national team, Bafana, has put themselves in a good position in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers with a perfect start of six points from two matches. Their latest win was a 5-0 victory over Eritrea at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo. This result has significantly boosted their goal difference and placed them at the top of Group D.
The match against Eritrea saw Relebohile Mofokeng score a brace, with Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, and Luther Singh also finding the net. Mofokeng gave South Africa a 2-0 lead at half time, and the team continued to dominate in the second half. The win also marked a clean sheet for the team, something they had only managed once in their previous five outings.
Coach Pitso Mosimane made two forced changes for the match, with Samukele Kabini and Bathusi Aubaas replacing the injured Mamelodi Sundowns duo of Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena. Eritrea created some early chances, but South Africa's goalkeeper Ronwen Williams kept a clean sheet. Bafana replied with an attack of their own, but Mofokeng was unlucky when his shot hit the upright.
The match took a turn for the worse for Eritrea when Mofokeng put the ball beyond the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Yonathan Sultan after receiving the ball from Appollis. This was Mofokeng's first goal for Bafana in 19 appearances. Mosimane will be hoping he continues his scoring form as they bid to qualify for the Afcon in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania next year.
South Africa put the match beyond doubt on 52 minutes when midfielder Sphephelo Sithole put the ball in the net after the Eritrean defence failed to defend properly. The floodgates opened, and Iqraam Rayners joined the party with the fourth goal after he was released by Appolis as Bafana took advantage of a sloppy mistake from Sultan.
With three points and four goals in the bag, Mosimane introduced Luther Singh, Lebone Seema, Cassius Mailula, and Zwane for Olwethu Makhanya, Rayners, Thapelo Maseko, and Sithole. There was still time for Singh to complete the rout during optional time as South Africa completed an emphatic win that will boost their confidence ahead of meetings with Kenya in November.
Bafana stay in North Africa as they have an international friendly against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday evening. Mosimane is expected to give opportunities to players who did not play against Guinea and Eritrea. This friendly match will provide a good test for the team before their next qualifier against Kenya.
Key points
- South Africa's national team, Bafana, has made a perfect start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with two wins and a goal difference of +7.
- Coach Pitso Mosimane made two forced changes for the match against Eritrea due to injuries to Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena.
- Bafana will face Egypt in an international friendly on Sunday, providing an opportunity for Mosimane to test his squad depth.
