Pitso Mosimane Calls on Egyptian Fans to Back Bafana Bafana in AFCON Qualifier
Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has called on Egyptian football fans to support South Africa in their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea in Cairo. Speaking during an interview ahead of the match, Mosimane highlighted the strong relationship between the two footballing nations and urged local supporters to get behind his team.
South Africa head into the encounter on the back of an important victory over Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Saturday. The result handed Bafana Bafana a positive start to their qualifying campaign and boosted confidence within the squad ahead of another challenging fixture away from home.
The qualifier against Eritrea will be played at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo after stadium infrastructure challenges prevented Eritrea from hosting the match in their own country. Although the fixture is officially Eritrea’s home match, the neutral venue could provide South Africa with an opportunity to feel more comfortable in familiar football surroundings.
Mosimane described South Africans and Egyptians as “brothers” and stressed the importance of unity between the two footballing communities. He emphasized that the connection between the countries goes beyond competition on the pitch.
The experienced coach also pointed to the healthy relationship between the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Egyptian Football Association (EFA). Mosimane believes the strong ties between the associations provide a solid foundation for mutual support between the nations.
Drawing on his successful spell with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Mosimane appealed directly to local supporters to attend the match. He specifically encouraged both Al Ahly’s Red Devils and Zamalek fans to create a lively atmosphere and throw their support behind Bafana Bafana.
South Africa will also understand the importance of securing a positive result in Cairo. After defeating Guinea in Soweto, Bafana Bafana will be aiming to continue their momentum in the qualification campaign. Collecting maximum points would be the ideal outcome, while any points gained away from home could prove significant as the race for qualification unfolds. Defeat, however, would represent a setback in a group where every point could ultimately matter.
Following the Eritrea encounter, South Africa will remain in Egypt for a high-profile international friendly against the Egyptian national team. For now, however, the focus remains firmly on the AFCON qualifier, with Mosimane hoping Egyptian supporters will answer his call and help create a welcoming atmosphere for Bafana Bafana in Cairo.