Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice as Bafana Bafana swept aside Eritrea 5-0 in Cairo on Wednesday, giving South Africa a perfect start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
Pitso Mosimane’s side followed their opening 2-1 win over Guinea with another emphatic victory at the Al-Salam Stadium, moving to six points from two Group D matches.
Mofokeng opened the scoring in the 19th minute before adding his second in first-half stoppage time.
Sphephelo Sithole made it 3-0 shortly after the restart, Iqraam Rayners added a fourth in the 62nd minute, and substitute Luther Singh completed the rout in stoppage time.
Mofokeng sets the tone
Eritrea started brightly and tested Bafana during the opening stages, but South Africa soon settled and began taking control.
Mofokeng broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, giving Bafana the breakthrough they needed.
The Orlando Pirates attacker then struck again just before the interval, leaving Eritrea with a mountain to climb at half-time.
Bafana run riot after the break
South Africa showed no signs of easing off after the restart.
Sithole extended the lead in the 52nd minute before Rayners added another 10 minutes later.
With the result effectively secured, Mosimane used his bench and Singh put the finishing touch on the victory with a fifth goal in stoppage time.
The result means Bafana have scored seven goals in their opening two qualifiers, conceding just one.
Williams keeps clean sheet
At the other end, captain Ronwen Williams played his part in the victory.
Eritrea created opportunities during the match, but Williams produced several important saves to protect South Africa’s clean sheet.
It was another assured performance from the Bafana captain as the team combined attacking efficiency with a solid defensive display.
Aubaas injury concern
The victory came with one concern as Bathusi Aubaas was forced off early in the match.
Brooklyn Poggenpoel replaced him and helped Bafana maintain control.
Aubaas joins Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba on the injury list after the pair were ruled out before the Eritrea match.
Mosimane pleased with Bafana’s attitude
Mosimane had warned his players against underestimating Eritrea after the Red Sea Camels held Kenya to a 1-1 draw in their opening qualifier.
He was pleased with the response from his team.
βIt was a good performance from our boys and they showed respect also. They showed respect to the opponents but also played proper football. We are very happy,β Mosimane said.
SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan also congratulated the team after their six-point start.
βCongratulations to HOD Molwantwa, coach Pitso, the players and technical team. You have picked up six points in your first two qualifiers, congratulations,β Jordaan said.
Bafana turn to Egypt friendly
South Africa will remain in Egypt before facing the hosts in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, 4 October 2026.
The match will give Mosimane another opportunity to assess his squad following two convincing qualifying victories.
For now, Bafana can celebrate a perfect start: two wins, seven goals scored and just one conceded.
Final Score
Eritrea 0-5 South Africa
Goals:Β Mofokeng 19′, 45+; Sithole 52′; Rayners 62′; Singh 90+.
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