AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Eritrea v South Africa – Preview, talking points and kick-off time

Eritrea will attempt to produce one of the early surprises of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign when they face South Africa in Group D on Wednesday.

The Red Sea Camels take on the 1996 African champions at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, in a fixture that could have a significant bearing on their hopes of reaching the continental tournament.

Eritrea earned a 1-1 draw away to Kenya in Nairobi in their opening group match, while South Africa began with a 2-1 home victory over Guinea at Orlando Stadium.

Eritrea chasing unlikely qualification

Girmai put Eritrea ahead against Kenya before an 87th-minute equaliser denied them what would have been a memorable victory.

The result followed Eritrea’s 4-1 aggregate victory over Eswatini in the preliminary round, their first AFCON qualifying campaign in almost 20 years.

With Kenya already assured of a place at the 2027 finals as one of the three co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, only one qualifying place remains available to Eritrea, South Africa and Guinea.

A positive result against Bafana Bafana would therefore keep Eritrea’s hopes alive.

The team is coached by former Zamalek defender Hesham Yakan, who has continued to rely heavily on players from the Eritrean diaspora.

Seven locally based players failed to return home after the preliminary-round tie against Eswatini.

Forward Ali Sulieman, who scored three goals across the two-legged tie, and Sheffield United’s Siem Eyob-Abraha are among Eritrea’s key players, while captain Ablelom Teklezghi is expected to feature if he recovers in time.

Eritrea are unable to host the match at home because they do not have an approved stadium, forcing Wednesday’s fixture to be played in Cairo.

South Africa looking to strengthen position

South Africa travel to Egypt after beating Guinea 2-1 in their opening Group D match.

The victory was Pitso Mosimane’s first competitive result since returning for a second spell as Bafana Bafana coach and moved South Africa to the top of the group on three points.

Another win would allow the 1996 champions to maintain their position at the summit with four qualifying matches still to play.

Mosimane has, however, had to deal with some injury concerns.

Lebohang Maboe has withdrawn from the squad, while Nkosinathi Sibisi missed the victory over Guinea.

Aubrey Modiba is also doubtful with a tight hamstring, leaving Samukele Kabini and Fawaaz Basadien as options at left-back.

First meeting between Eritrea and South Africa

Wednesday’s match will be the first competitive meeting between Eritrea and South Africa.

The Red Sea Camels are expected to line up with Sultan in goal, behind Fors, Misignha, Embaye and Idris, with Tekie and Girmai in midfield.

Yohannes, Teklezgi and Gerezgiher could operate behind Sulieman in attack.

South Africa could start with Ronwen Williams in goal, Sebelebele, Okon, Makhanya and Kabini in defence, Sithole and Teboho Mokoena in midfield, and Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis and Rayners in attack.

Kick-off is scheduled for 16:00 GMT on Wednesday, 30 September.