South Africa national football team continued their strong start to the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign with a convincing 5-0 victory over Eritrea at the Al Salam Stadium.
The result came after Bafana Bafana had already defeated Guinea 2-1, giving South Africa another valuable three points in Group D. Relebohile Mofokeng was the standout performer, scoring twice, while Oswin Appollis played a decisive role with three assists.
Bafana Make Early Pressure Count
South Africa immediately looked dangerous in attack, with Mofokeng coming close to opening the scoring in the 10th minute when his powerful left-footed effort struck the post.
Eritrea showed some threat on the counter, but their early attacks did not produce a breakthrough. South Africa were then forced into an early change when midfielder Bathusi Aubaas suffered a muscle injury in the 11th minute and was replaced by debutant Poggenpoel.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 19th minute. Appollis picked out Mofokeng with an excellent through ball, allowing the youngster to remain composed inside the penalty area before finishing to put Bafana ahead.
Mofokeng Doubles the Advantage
Mofokeng continued to cause problems for the Eritrean defence and struck again just before the interval.
In the 45th minute, he beat two defenders with a confident dribble before placing his shot into the corner of the net. His second goal gave South Africa a 2-0 lead heading into half-time and capped an impressive individual performance.
Eritrea had little answer to South Africa’s attacking movement as Bafana maintained control of the match.
South Africa Add Three More Goals
Bafana returned from the break with the same attacking intent and quickly increased their advantage.
In the 52nd minute, Appollis’ attempt was not held by the Eritrean goalkeeper, allowing Sithole to react quickly and score from inside the box.
South Africa added a fourth goal 11 minutes later. Appollis again provided the creative spark, setting up Rayners, who finished from a difficult angle in the 63rd minute.
With the game comfortably in hand, coach Pitso Mosimane made three changes in the 73rd minute, withdrawing Rayners, Makhanya and Maseko for Seema, Singh and Mailula.
Williams Preserves Bafana’s Clean Sheet
Eritrea continued to search for a consolation goal during the closing stages, but South Africa’s defence and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams remained alert.
Williams produced two important saves in quick succession in the 85th minute to prevent Eritrea from finding a way onto the scoresheet.
South Africa then put the result beyond any doubt in the final minute of normal time. Singh finished from close range after receiving another delivery from Appollis, completing the attacker’s impressive evening with his third assist.
Bafana Finish with Five-Star Performance
The final whistle confirmed a 5-0 victory for South Africa, with Mofokeng’s brace and Appollis’ three assists at the centre of an emphatic attacking display.
The win gives Bafana Bafana another three points in Group D and strengthens the team’s positive start to the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
