AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Pitso Mosimane warns Bafana Bafana about Ali Sulieman threat ahead of Eritrea clash

Pitso Mosimane has warned South Africa against underestimating Eritrea, with the Bafana Bafana coach particularly concerned about the threat posed by striker Ali Sulieman ahead of Wednesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Bafana face Eritrea at the Al Salam Stadium on the outskirts of Cairo at 6pm SA time, with the Eritreans forced to play their home fixture at a neutral venue because they do not have a Confederation of African Football-approved stadium.

The arrangement gives South Africa an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of Group D after Mosimane marked his return for a second spell in charge with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

But the coach is refusing to view the fixture as a straightforward assignment, particularly after Eritrea held Kenya to a 1-1 draw in Nairobi in their opening qualifier.

South Africa, ranked 50th in the world, enter the game significantly higher than their opponents, who sit 184th, but Mosimane believes those rankings will mean little if his players fail to approach the contest with the required intensity.

Sulieman emerges as Eritrea’s main threat

Mosimane has closely studied Eritrea ahead of the encounter, including their preliminary-round tie against Eswatini, which they won 4-1 on aggregate to reach the group stage.

Sulieman played a major role in that success, scoring three of Eritrea’s four goals across the two legs. The Al Masry forward also caught Mosimane’s attention because of his pace, versatility and ability to threaten from dead-ball situations.

“The most important thing is to give respect to the opponents because they are in the group and they qualified to be there,” Mosimane said.

“We saw them against Eswatini. They managed to win to qualify so we respect them for that.”

The Bafana coach then highlighted the qualities that make Sulieman a particular concern for his defence.

“They’ve got their striker who scores all the time [Sulieman], the guy even plays here in Egypt. He’s their top scorer, he’s fast, shoots from any angle whether from the left or right and is deadly at set-pieces and also penalties.”

Mosimane believes South Africa must prevent Sulieman from finding the spaces he needs to influence the game.

“So yes, that’s one important guy who is very tricky who we have to look after,” he added.

Eritrea’s Kenya draw adds to Mosimane’s caution

Sulieman is not the only Eritrean player who has impressed the Bafana coach.

Mosimane also pointed to Eritrea’s performance against Kenya, where they secured a valuable point away from home after Nahom Netabaym put them ahead before the hosts eventually equalised.

Netabaym, who plays for Swedish top-flight side Degerfors IF, provides another attacking threat from midfield and will require attention from South Africa’s defensive unit.

Mosimane said Eritrea’s performance in Nairobi reinforced the need for Bafana to approach Wednesday’s fixture with the same commitment they showed against Guinea.

“They have been good. They gave Kenya a scare too. Kenya had to come and equalise in the end in Kenya – that’s a big one.”

The coach also acknowledged areas where South Africa must improve after their opening victory. Bafana created opportunities against Guinea but were unable to convert all of them, leaving Mosimane aware that greater efficiency could be required against an Eritrean side expected to defend with determination.

“We played well last time [against Guinea]. Yes, we missed a few good chances, and we also need a little bit of improvement, the same as any other team.”

Modiba injury creates selection concern

South Africa could also be forced into a change at left-back after Aubrey Modiba limped off during the victory over Guinea.

If the Mamelodi Sundowns defender is ruled out, Fawaaz Basadien is expected to be the natural replacement in the position.

With three points already secured, Bafana have the opportunity to make it two wins from two and consolidate their early position in Group D.

However, Mosimane wants his players to reproduce the work rate and discipline that helped them overcome Guinea rather than allow the neutral venue or Eritrea’s lower world ranking to influence their approach.

“We played properly, we respected the country. And that is what I expect the boys to do, to show respect to the flag and no slouching, no walking; to be fighting and working hard.”

His message was clear ahead of the second qualifier.

“We need to show the same attitude against Eritrea — they managed to get a point in Kenya.”