Mofokeng double fires South Africa to 5-0 win over Eritrea

South Africa strengthened their position at the top of Group D with a record away victory, beating Eritrea 5-0 in their second qualifier for next year’s Afcon at Cairo’s Al-Salam Stadium on Wednesday.

Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice, including his first goal for Bafana Bafana, while Sphephelo Sithole, Iqraam Rayners and substitute Luther Singh were also on target.

South Africa made an uncertain start. Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams failed to hold a tame effort from Eritrea striker Ali Sulieman in the second minute, conceding a corner in the process.

The Red Sea Camels almost took advantage moments later when Nahom Tadese’s free-kick from the centre circle caught Williams by surprise and struck the crossbar. Sulieman then missed a significant opportunity from the rebound.

Bafana were forced into an early change when Bathusi Aubaas went off after suffering a knock. Brooklyn Poggenpoel replaced him, and the Durban City midfielder’s introduction helped South Africa settle into the match.

Poggenpoel began to influence the game with several progressive passes. One of those found Oswin Appollis, who set up his former Orlando Pirates team-mate Mofokeng to open the scoring in the 19th minute.

Mofokeng had already gone close in the 12th minute, when an attempt with his weaker left foot struck the woodwork. The 21-year-old doubled South Africa’s lead just before half-time, using impressive footwork to work his way past several defenders inside the area before producing a fine finish beyond Eritrea goalkeeper Yonathan Sultan.

Sithole made it 3-0 in the 52nd minute, reacting quickest to a rebound after Sultan had saved another effort from Appollis.

Rayners added a fourth three minutes after the hour mark. Appollis again provided the assist, with Rayners finishing with a low shot that beat Sultan.

Eritrea threatened to reduce the deficit later in the match, but Williams was required to make several good saves to preserve South Africa’s advantage.

Pitso Mosimane handed Orlando Pirates defender Lebone Seema his debut in the 74th minute, sending him on for Olwethu Makhanya.

Singh completed the scoring deep into stoppage time after coming off the bench, with Mofokeng supplying the assist to complete an outstanding individual contribution.

South Africa had been without two important players for the match. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena and full-back Aubrey Modiba missed out after suffering injuries during the team’s 2-1 victory over Guinea in their opening qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.