Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice as Bafana Bafana beat Eritrea 5-0 in their AFCON qualifier in Cairo. Image credit: BackpagePix
Bafana Bafana thrashed Eritrea 5-0 at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday night. The Bafana Bafana Eritrea win keeps South Africa perfect in Group D of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with two wins from two games.
Relebohile Mofokeng led the way with two goals. Meanwhile, Sphephelo Sithole, Iqraam Rayners and Luther Singh also got on the scoresheet.
How the Bafana Bafana Eritrea goals went in
Mofokeng made his intentions clear early and hit the upright in the opening stages. Soon after, he opened the scoring in the 19th minute. Oswin Appollis played him through, and the young Orlando Pirates star finished neatly.
Then, just before the break, Mofokeng doubled the lead with a brilliant solo goal. He weaved past several defenders and slotted home calmly to send Bafana into halftime 2-0 up.
After the restart, South Africa kept up the pressure. Sithole made it 3-0 in the 52nd minute with a composed finish. Later, Rayners added a fourth in the 63rd minute, which gave Bafana their first goal from a recognised striker in the campaign.
Finally, Singh completed the rout in stoppage time. Appollis was again involved, and he set up both Rayners and Singh.
Mosimane had to adjust his side during the match. Bathusi Aubaas went off injured early, so Brooklyn Poggenpoel came on in his place. Later, Orlando Pirates defender Lebone Seema made his Bafana debut in the 74th minute.
In addition, Bafana played without midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba. Both players picked up knocks in the 2-1 win over Guinea at Orlando Stadium last Saturday.
The result marks a record away win for South Africa and continues a strong start to Mosimane’s second spell as head coach.
Next, Bafana will stay in Egypt for a friendly against the Pharaohs on Sunday.
For now, the Bafana Bafana Eritrea rout leaves South Africa top of Group D and full of confidence.
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