Bafana Bafana Run Riot Against Eritrea to Stay Perfect in AFCON Qualifiers

Bafana Bafana continued their impressive start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory over Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, on Wednesday night. The comprehensive triumph saw South Africa make it two wins from two matches and maintain top spot in Group D with a maximum six points.

Despite being listed as the home side, Eritrea were forced to play away from home due to the lack of a Confederation of African-approved stadium in their country. The neutral venue in Cairo provided little in the way of atmosphere, with only a handful of South African supporters scattered around the largely empty stands.

Having opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea, South Africa arrived full of confidence and quickly stamped their authority on the contest. Eritrea, who had picked up a 1-1 draw against Kenya in their opening qualifier, struggled to cope with the visitors’ pace, movement and attacking intent.

The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute through Relebohile Mofokeng, who once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of South Africa’s brightest young talents. The forward capitalised on Bafana Bafana’s early dominance to put his side ahead and set the tone for the evening.

South Africa controlled possession and dictated proceedings throughout the first half, constantly asking questions of the Eritrean defence. Their pressure paid off again deep into first-half stoppage time when Mofokeng produced a moment of brilliance, weaving his way through before finishing clinically to complete his brace and hand Bafana Bafana a commanding 2-0 advantage.

Any hopes of a second-half response from Eritrea were quickly extinguished as South Africa resumed where they had left off. The visitors continued to dominate the midfield battle and created opportunities at will against a defence that found little respite.

The third goal arrived seven minutes after the restart through Sphephelo Sithole. After an initial effort from the lively Oswin Appollis was saved, Sithole reacted quickest inside the penalty area to convert the rebound and stretch South Africa’s lead to 3-0.

Bafana Bafana’s relentless attacking approach continued to yield rewards, and Iqraam Rayners added a fourth goal in the 63rd minute. The striker showed excellent composure to score from a tight angle, registering his fifth goal for the senior national team and effectively putting the result beyond any doubt.

With the outcome already settled, South Africa remained eager to add to their tally. The team continued pressing forward and were rewarded in stoppage time when Luther Singh got on the scoresheet, applying the finishing touch to a polished attacking display.

The final whistle confirmed a commanding 5-0 victory and another important three points for Hugo Broos’ men. With seven goals scored and only one conceded across their opening two qualifiers, Bafana Bafana have sent an early statement to their Group D rivals and strengthened their ambitions of securing a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.