Bafana Bafana beat Eritrea 5-0 at the Al Salaam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, 30 September, to maintain their winning start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice, while Sphephelo Sithole, Iqraam Rayners and Luther Singh also found the net as South Africa collected their second victory in Group D. The result gives Pitso Mosimane’s side six points from their opening two qualifiers after their 2- 1 victory over Guinea in Soweto.
Mofokeng produced one of the standout performances of the match, scoring his first two senior international goals before halftime. Oswin Appollis was another central figure in the victory, contributing three assists as Bafana took control of the contest.
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Mofokeng Leads Bafana Bafana Attack
Eritrea caused problems during the opening minutes, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams forced into action before a free kick struck his crossbar. South Africa gradually settled into the match and began creating opportunities.
Mofokeng provided the first major warning when his shot struck the post in the 12th minute. Seven minutes later, he opened the scoring after Brooklyn Poggenpoel won possession and Appollis supplied the final pass.
The 21 year old added his second shortly before halftime. Samukele Kabini found Mofokeng, who moved past the Eritrean defence before finishing to give South Africa a two goal advantage at the interval.
It was a significant night for the Orlando Pirates attacker, who entered the fixture without a senior international goal or assist despite previously impressing for Bafana.
Appollis Creates Three Goals Against Eritrea
Appollis played an important role throughout Bafana’s attacking performance.
After creating Mofokeng’s opening goal, the Orlando Pirates attacker was involved again after halftime when his shot was parried by Eritrea goalkeeper Yonathan Sultan. Sithole reacted to the loose ball and scored South Africa’s third.
Appollis then released Rayners, who finished from a tight angle to make it 4 to 0. In stoppage time, Appollis completed his third assist by supplying substitute Singh for Bafana’s fifth goal.
His contribution came after Mosimane had spoken about Bafana’s attacking options during the opening qualifying window. Against Eritrea, the combination of Appollis and Mofokeng provided much of South Africa’s attacking threat.
Poggenpoel Makes His Bafana Bafana Debut
South Africa were forced into an early change when Bathusi Aubaas left the field through injury in the 12th minute.
Durban City midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpoel replaced him to make his senior international debut. He was quickly involved, winning possession during the move that produced Mofokeng’s opening goal.
Poggenpoel was one of five uncapped players initially selected by Mosimane for the September international window. CAF confirmed his inclusion alongside Lebone Seema, Yanela Mbuthuma, Puso Dithejane and Tashreeq Matthews when the final squad was announced.
His appearance against Eritrea gave Mosimane another opportunity to assess the newer members of his squad during his first international window since returning as Bafana head coach.
Williams Recovers After Difficult Start
Bafana captain Williams endured an uncertain opening period as Eritrea attempted to put South Africa under early pressure.
He spilled an early effort for a corner before a long free kick struck the crossbar. Eritrea were unable to take advantage, however, and South Africa became increasingly comfortable as the match progressed.
Williams later produced important saves, including an intervention to deny Esrom Yohannes in the second half.
At the other end, South Africa continued creating opportunities and ultimately converted five of them to complete a comfortable victory.
Bafana Make It Six Points From Six
The victory leaves Bafana with six points from their opening two Group D qualifiers under Mosimane.
South Africa started their campaign with a 2 to 1 win over Guinea at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, 26 September. Ime Okon opened the scoring before Samukele Kabini scored the winner in the 77th minute.
The structure of Group D makes every result particularly important. Kenya are one of the three cohosts of the 2027 AFCON and are automatically qualified for the tournament.
CAF has confirmed that only the highest placed team outside Kenya in Group D will qualify for the finals. That leaves South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea competing for the remaining qualification position.
Bafana’s victories over Guinea and Eritrea therefore give Mosimane’s side an important start to the campaign, although four qualifying matches remain.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
For football supporters in Gauteng, Bafana’s victory builds on a qualifying campaign that began at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
The opening win over Guinea gave local supporters their first look at Mosimane’s Bafana since his return as national team coach. The second victory in Cairo means South Africa have taken maximum points from their first two fixtures.
The performances of Gauteng based Orlando Pirates players Mofokeng and Appollis will also attract attention locally. Between them, they were directly involved in several of South Africa’s goals against Eritrea.
Bafana will remain in Cairo for their next fixture, a friendly against Egypt on Sunday, 4 October. CAF confirmed the friendly when Mosimane’s squad for the international window was announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Bafana Bafana vs Eritrea score?
Bafana Bafana beat Eritrea 5 to 0 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifier in Cairo on Wednesday, 30 September.
Who scored for Bafana Bafana against Eritrea?
Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice. Sphephelo Sithole, Iqraam Rayners and Luther Singh scored South Africa’s other three goals.
How many assists did Oswin Appollis get?
Appollis recorded three assists during the 5 to 0 victory, including contributions to goals scored by Mofokeng, Rayners and Singh.
How many points do Bafana have in AFCON qualifying?
South Africa have collected six points from their opening two Group D qualifiers after beating Guinea 2 to 1 and Eritrea 5 to 0.
When do Bafana Bafana play next?
Bafana are scheduled to face Egypt in an international friendly in Cairo on Sunday, 4 October.
Bafana Continue Strong Start Under Mosimane
Bafana Bafana’s 5 to 0 victory over Eritrea gives South Africa maximum points from the opening two matches of their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Mofokeng’s first international goals and Appollis’ three assists drove the attacking performance, while Sithole, Rayners and Singh completed the scoring in Cairo.
With Group D offering only one qualification place alongside automatically qualified Kenya, the six points collected against Guinea and Eritrea give South Africa a strong start before the qualifying campaign resumes. CAF says the next phase of qualifying will take place in November, with the final two rounds scheduled for March 2027.
