‘PRESIDENT YA MA2000’ FIRES BAFANA CLOSER TO 2027 AFCON FINALS!
Bafana Bafana have taken a giant step towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after dismantling Eritrea 5-0 in their second Group D qualifier, with Relebohile Mofokeng scoring twice as Pitso Mosimane’s return to the national team continued with a perfect two-from-two start.
Mofokeng’s brace, complemented by goals from Yaya Sithole, Iqraam Rayners and Luther Singh, gave South Africa a commanding victory and moved the 2027 Afcon qualification campaign firmly in their favour.
The emphatic result comes only four days after Bafana opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea at Orlando Stadium, meaning Mosimane’s side have collected the maximum six points from their opening two matches.
Mosimane, back for his third spell in charge of Bafana Bafana, has now overseen two victories from two competitive matches since taking over from Hugo Broos. CAF confirmed that Mosimane was reappointed in September after Broos’ departure, with the veteran coach returning to a national team he previously led during the 2010 World Cup cycle.
NIGHT BELONGED TO RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG!
The young attacker, who recently began his European adventure with Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, underlined why he is regarded as one of South Africa’s most exciting attacking prospects by finding the net twice against Eritrea.
His performance was particularly significant given Mosimane’s decision to inject fresh attacking options into the squad.
Mofokeng was among the 11 forwards selected for the September international window, alongside established players such as Rayners, Oswin Appollis, Themba Zwane and returning forward Luther Singh.
The 20-year-old’s emergence gives Mosimane another attacking weapon as Bafana prepare for the remaining stages of the qualification campaign.
Sithole, Rayners and Singh completed the rout, turning what could have been a potentially awkward away assignment into a comfortable victory.
South Africa eventually prevailed 2-1 after Ime Okon opened the scoring and Guinea equalised through Seydouba Cissé. Samukele Kabini then produced the decisive moment in the 77th minute, scoring on his international debut to secure three points for Mosimane.
That victory was important because Guinea are one of the teams competing directly with South Africa for the qualification place available in Group D.
Four days later, however, Bafana produced a completely different attacking performance against Eritrea.
The five-goal demolition not only delivered another three points but also gave South Africa a significant boost in goal difference, potentially important in a group where qualification could eventually be decided by a narrow margin.
SIX POINTS AND QUALIFICATION SEEMS CERTAIN!
Despite the impressive start, Bafana should not yet be described as mathematically qualified for the 2027 AFCON.
The qualification system for Group D is unusual because Kenya, one of the three tournament co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, is automatically guaranteed a place at the finals.
CAF’s qualification regulations mean that only the highest-ranked team among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea will claim the remaining qualification place from Group D.
That makes South Africa’s six points extremely valuable, but the job is not finished.
The remaining fixtures against Kenya, Guinea and Eritrea will determine whether Bafana finish as the highest-ranked non-host nation in the group.
South Africa’s next qualifying window will therefore be crucial, particularly the matches against Kenya and Guinea.
MOSIMANE’S SECOND STINT COMING OFF TO A FLYING START!
Mosimane returned to the Bafana job carrying considerable expectations after previously managing the national team and subsequently enjoying major success at club level, including three CAF Champions League titles.
ROAD TO EAST AFRICA!
The 2027 Afcon will be a historic tournament, with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania jointly hosting the finals.
The 24-team tournament will therefore be staged in East Africa, with the three hosts already guaranteed their places.
For the remaining nations, qualification is being contested through a six-match home-and-away group phase. CAF’s schedule has the final qualifying rounds taking place in March 2027.
For Bafana, the immediate objective is simple: protect their position at the top of the race for the Group D qualification place.
Six points from two matches have put South Africa in a strong position.
