WeeklySA_AdminTOUR DE FORCE: Bafana’s 5–0 victory over Eritrea secures a perfect AFCON qualifying start as attention turns to Sunday’s friendly against Egypt…
By Own Correspondent
Relebohile Mofokeng struck twice as South Africa swept aside Eritrea 5–0 in Cairo on Wednesday, securing a second successive AFCON 2027 qualifying victory before Sunday’s friendly against Egypt.
The emphatic win at Al-Salam Stadium followed Saturday’s 2–1 home victory over Guinea, leaving Pitso Mosimane’s side with six points, seven goals scored and one conceded from their opening two Group D matches.
Bafana have made a strong start, but qualification remains a demanding assignment. With Kenya automatically through as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, only the highest-placed team among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea will secure the group’s remaining berth.
Guinea host Kenya on Thursday, October 1, in the other second-round fixture, while Bafana will resume their qualifying campaign later in the year.
For now, attention shifts to Egypt on Sunday, October 4. The friendly offers Mosimane another opportunity to assess his squad and build on the momentum of two competitive wins.
Wednesday’s performance was particularly encouraging given South Africa’s injury setbacks. Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba were unavailable, while Bathusi Aubaas lasted just 11 minutes before Brooklyn Poggenpoel replaced him.
Six points, seven goals scored and one conceded give Bafana an early platform in the race to AFCON 2027
Mofokeng nevertheless inspired a commanding display. Having already struck the post, he opened the scoring in the 19th minute after Oswin Appollis sent him through, calmly beating the goalkeeper.
He doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time, weaving past defenders before finding the bottom corner.
Sphephelo Sithole added the third seven minutes after the restart, following up when Appollis’ shot was parried. Iqraam Rayners made it 4–0 in the 63rd minute from Mofokeng’s pass, before substitute Luther Singh completed the rout in stoppage time, tapping in at the back post from another Appollis delivery.
Ronwen Williams also contributed, producing a fine second-half save to preserve South Africa’s clean sheet.
The result gives Bafana an early platform in the race to East Africa. Sunday’s encounter with Egypt provides the next opportunity to strengthen it. – CAFonline/WSAM
