Mosimane warns Bafana Bafana they must hold on to top spot in AFCON qualifying

Pitso Mosimane has warned South Africa that their 5-0 victory over Eritrea is only the beginning of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, with four matches still to play.

The Bafana Bafana head coach saw his side produce a commanding performance at Cairo’s Al Salam Stadium on Wednesday evening. Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice in the first half, before Sphephelo Sithole, Iqraam Rayners and Luther Singh completed a comprehensive win.

South Africa began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea and now lead Group D with six points. Guinea are on three points, while Kenya and Eritrea each have one.

However, Kenya have already secured automatic qualification as co-hosts, meaning only one further team from the group will qualify. South Africa’s remaining route to the tournament is therefore a direct contest with Guinea and Eritrea, with every result carrying added importance.

Mosimane said his players must remain focused and determine their own fate.

“It’s in our hands,” he told reporters.

The South Africa manager insisted that the team’s strong opening could not guarantee qualification.

“It’s not how you start but how you finish, right,” he said.

“So we have a long way. We’ve got four games to qualify, and we are in a difficult group because Kenya has automatically qualified, so it’s only one team that can qualify.

“Unlike other groups that have two teams that [fight to] qualify. So we are in a difficult position.

“I’m not happy that we conceded a goal against Guinea because, you know, it will come to head-to-head, so we have to do what we’ve got to do. You have to stay where you are. So we are there (at the top of the group), and we’ve got to stay there. It’s in our hands.”

The result against Eritrea completed a perfect start for Bafana Bafana, but the hosting arrangement has reduced the group’s margin for error. South Africa must finish as the leading remaining side in Group D to secure their place at the tournament.

Their next assignments come in November, when they will face Kenya twice in quick succession. South Africa will host the Harambee Stars before travelling for the return fixture, with the two matches offering an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of the group.