Mofokeng scores twice as South Africa sweep aside Eritrea 5-0

Relebohile Mofokeng scored his first two international goals as South Africa strengthened their position in Group D with a 5-0 victory over Eritrea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Cairo.

The 21-year-old had previously shown promise for Bafana Bafana without scoring or providing an assist, but he delivered a decisive performance to help Pitso Mosimane’s side make it two wins from two.

Mofokeng went close before opening the scoring in the 19th minute, hitting the post before converting South Africa’s next clear opportunity. Oswin Appollis supplied an accurate pass, and Mofokeng controlled it calmly before guiding his finish into the bottom corner.

He added a second shortly before the interval. After receiving the ball from Samukele Kabini, Mofokeng moved through the Eritrea defence and completed the run by finding the net.

South Africa were forced into an early change when Bathusi Aubaas went off after picking up a knock. Brooklyn Poggenpoel replaced him to make his international debut.

Eritrea caused problems on the counter-attack and South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was required to intervene after an uncertain opening spell. The Bafana captain later made an excellent save to keep out an effort from Esrom Yohannes.

Despite those moments, South Africa established greater control after the break and extended their lead in the 52nd minute.

Sphephelo Sithole reacted quickest after Eritrea goalkeeper Yonathan Sultan had pushed away a shot from Appollis, finishing the rebound to make it 3-0.

Appollis was involved again 11 minutes later, creating the fourth goal for Rayners. The forward received another pass from his team-mate before striking powerfully from a tight angle.

Appollis completed a highly productive display in stoppage time by recording his third assist of the match. His cross found substitute Luther Singh, who finished from close range to complete the emphatic win.

The result gives South Africa six points from their first two qualifiers. It follows their 2-1 victory over Guinea on Saturday and leaves Mosimane’s team firmly in control of their early campaign.

For Mofokeng, the match represented a significant landmark in his international career. Having previously been regarded mainly for his potential, the young attacker now has two senior goals for Bafana Bafana after his breakthrough performance in Cairo.