Bafana Bafana face striker test against Eritrea in AFCON qualifier

South Africa’s recognised strikers will be under scrutiny when Bafana Bafana face Eritrea in their second 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Cairo on Wednesday.

Bafana began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, but neither of their goals was scored by a recognised centre-forward.

Centre-back Ime Okon opened the scoring before Guinea equalised through Seydouba Cisse. Substitute left-back Samukele Kabini then struck the decisive goal, with Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma involved in the build-up.

The result gave South Africa three points, but also exposed an issue Pitso Mosimane will want to address as the qualification campaign continues: converting chances through the central striker.

Iqraam Rayners started against Guinea before being replaced by Mbuthuma in the second half. Rayners will hope to retain his place against Eritrea, while Mbuthuma’s contribution to Kabini’s winner could strengthen his claim for further involvement.

Mbuthuma has also received Mosimane’s support despite questions about his goalscoring record. The Bafana coach has previously highlighted the forward’s physical presence and hunger as qualities that can benefit the team.

Limited options up front

Mosimane’s choices in the position are restricted. Lyle Foster is absent from the squad after moving to Houston Dynamo on loan, while Evidence Makgopa remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from injury.

Rayners and Mbuthuma are therefore the two recognised central-striker options in the current squad. Mosimane has already admitted that developing greater depth in the role is a challenge.

“We don’t score easily, we score two out of six maybe,” Mosimane said after the win against Guinea.

That concern could be tested by Eritrea, who drew 1-1 with Kenya in their opening Group D qualifier. South Africa are expected to see more of the ball and play in the opposition half again, but they will need to make better use of their opportunities to avoid another tense finish.

Bafana have other players capable of contributing goals. Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Cassius Mailula and Luther Singh all offer attacking threat and can provide a scoring outlet.

However, goals from across the team do not necessarily replace the reliability of a striker who consistently finishes the chances created. Against Guinea, South Africa produced enough openings to have won more comfortably, but required Kabini’s late intervention to claim victory.

With South Africa seeking another three points in a group where only one non-host nation will qualify, Mosimane will demand greater efficiency in front of goal.

The defenders secured the opening triumph. Against Eritrea, attention will turn to whether Bafana’s strikers can take responsibility for the result.