Overview
- South Africa beat Eritrea 5-0 in Cairo on Wednesday to follow a 2-1 win over Guinea and move to six points at the top of Group D.
- Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice and Oswin Appollis supplied three assists as Mosimane’s side produced a comprehensive attacking display.
- Scans confirmed injuries to Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena before the match, forcing Mosimane to start Samukele Kabini and Bathusi Aubaas and later blood debutant Brooklyn Poggenpoel.
- Mosimane appealed to Egyptian supporters for backing by citing his Al Ahly ties, and Bafana will stay in Cairo for a friendly with Egypt before resuming qualifiers against Kenya in November.
- The Eritrea fixture was played in Egypt because Eritrea lacks a CAF‑accredited stadium, and South Africa’s early momentum has translated into a provisional rise in the FIFA rankings to 49th, improving their qualification outlook given Kenya’s status as an automatic co‑host.