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Pitso Mosimane’s perfect start to his second stint as Bafana Bafana coach continued in emphatic fashion on Wednesday evening, as South Africa dismantled Eritrea 5-0 at the Al Salam Stadium in Cairo. The commanding victory propels the national team to six points from their opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, cementing their spot at the top of Group D.
Despite the lopsided final scoreline, the match was not without early turbulence. Forced into early changes after an injury to Bathusi Aubaas just 10 minutes in, Bafana Bafana survived an initial scare when an ambitious Eritrean lob hit the crossbar following a miscue from goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. However, South Africa quickly found their rhythm and never looked back.
The Mofokeng and Appollis Show
The evening belonged to 21-year-old playmaker Relebohile Mofokeng and creative architect Oswin Appollis. Mofokeng opened his senior international account in the 19th minute, latching onto a defence-splitting pass from Appollis before coolly slotting past Eritrean goalkeeper Yonathan Sultan.
On the stroke of halftime, Mofokeng doubled his tally. Cutting inside from the flank, he danced past defenders to slot a low shot into the bottom corner, giving Bafana a comfortable 2-0 cushion at the interval. Appollis continued to torment the Red Sea Camels’ backline throughout the match, ultimately finishing the night with a remarkable three assists.
A Second-Half Rampage
South Africa’s relentless pressure continued into the second half, with the goals flowing freely:
- 52nd Minute: Appollis unleashed a strike that forced a spill from Sultan, and Sphephelo Sithole was perfectly positioned to tap home the rebound for 3-0.
- 63rd Minute: Appollis teed up Iqraam Rayners on the left side of the penalty area, and the striker smashed a crisp left-footed finish into the far corner from an acute angle.
- 90+3 Minute: Substitute Luther Singh added the final flourish deep into stoppage time, converting another pinpoint delivery from Appollis to complete the 5-0 rout.
Williams ensured his clean sheet remained intact by pulling off a spectacular one-handed save to deny Esrom Yohannes midway through the second half.
The emphatic result leaves South Africa with a dominant +6 goal difference at the summit of Group D. Bafana Bafana will remain in Cairo for the remainder of the week as they prepare to face continental heavyweights Egypt in a friendly on Sunday, October 4, before the AFCON qualifying campaign resumes with back-to-back fixtures against co-hosts Kenya in November.
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