Mofokeng stars as South Africa beat Eritrea 5-0 in AFCON qualifying

South Africa continued their impressive start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 5-0 victory over Eritrea in Cairo on Wednesday.

The result made it two wins from two for Bafana Bafana, who have scored seven goals without conceding in their opening qualifying matches – a rare sequence for the national side.

Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice, while Oswin Appollis provided three assists and played a part in another goal. Iqraam Rayners, Sphephelo Sithole and Luther Singh were also on target.

The performance gives coach Pitso Mosimane plenty to consider before Sunday’s friendly against Egypt.

Player performances

Ronwen Williams endured an uncertain start, including a spill that allowed Eritrea to win a corner, but settled as the game progressed. He produced an excellent second-half save to protect South Africa’s clean sheet.

Right-back Khuliso Sebelebele had a relatively quiet evening defensively but provided an outlet on the flank and is becoming increasingly assured in the role.

Centre-back Okon was composed throughout. Eritrea offered a limited attacking threat, but he dealt comfortably with everything required of him and helped secure another clean sheet.

Makhanya was solid before being replaced by debutant Lebone Seema. He received a yellow card but otherwise encountered few problems.

Left-back Kabini again showed an attacking instinct and supplied the pass that sent Mofokeng through for his second goal.

Aubaas had only 11 minutes on the pitch before injury forced him to leave the field, making it impossible to properly assess his performance.

Sithole controlled the midfield and scored his second Bafana Bafana goal. He was calm in possession and helped South Africa dictate the pace of the match.

Paseka Mako provided width and pace but did not exert the same influence as some of the attackers around him. His delivery was inconsistent, although he remained a threat.

Appollis delivered exactly the response Mosimane would have wanted after being challenged to make a greater contribution. He set up Mofokeng, Rayners and Singh, while his shot led to Sithole’s goal.

Mofokeng was the outstanding player. He scored his first two goals for Bafana Bafana, struck the post and repeatedly unsettled Eritrea. His second finish was particularly impressive, with his footwork in the penalty area underlining why Mosimane calls him a “magician”.

Rayners made the most of his chance in the debate over South Africa’s No.9 position, producing a composed finish for the fourth goal. He also worked hard before being replaced by Cassius Mailula.

Poggenpoel made an impressive debut after coming on for the injured Aubaas and immediately looked comfortable. He was involved in the build-up to the opening goal.

Singh marked his return to the national team after more than five years away from the Bafana Bafana picture by scoring the fifth goal. He also combined willingly with the attackers.

Seema made a composed debut after replacing Makhanya and completed the tasks required of him despite Eritrea offering little threat.

Mailula had limited time to influence the match after replacing Rayners, while the substitute who came on for Sithole was also restricted to a brief cameo as South Africa closed out the victory.