Mofokeng scores twice as South Africa thrash Eritrea 5-0 in AFCON qualifying

Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice as South Africa made it two wins from two in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 5-0 victory over Eritrea at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

The 21-year-old, an Orlando Pirates Academy product now playing in Belgium, opened his account under Bafana Bafana manager Pitso Mosimane with a standout performance in Group D.

Mofokeng had already hit the post before putting South Africa ahead in the 19th minute. Oswin Appollis released him behind the Eritrea defence and the forward kept his composure to calmly beat the goalkeeper.

South Africa controlled the scoreline but were not entirely fluent during the opening stages. Their midfield was disrupted by the absence of Teboho Mokoena, who missed the match through injury, while his replacement, Bathusi Aubaas, was forced off early after suffering a knock.

Despite those changes, Bafana Bafana continued to create openings. Mofokeng doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time after receiving the ball inside the penalty area, moving past several defenders and placing his finish into the bottom corner.

The goal gave South Africa a commanding advantage at the break and put Mofokeng at the centre of an emphatic response after his earlier effort had struck the upright.

Sphephelo Sithole extended the lead to 3-0 in the 52nd minute, shortly after the restart. Given an opportunity in Mokoena’s absence, the midfielder marked his inclusion with a composed finish as South Africa continued to exploit gaps in the Eritrean defence.

Iqraam Rayners added a fourth in the 63rd minute. His goal provided Bafana with a finish from a recognised striker, following their opening qualifier against Guinea when defenders had been responsible for getting on the scoresheet.

Luther Singh completed the victory in the referee’s stoppage time, securing South Africa’s biggest moment of the match and confirming a 5-0 result.

The win leaves Mosimane’s side with maximum points from their first two matches and firmly in control of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

South Africa will next face Egypt in a friendly on Sunday before resuming their qualifying schedule later in the campaign.