Mofokeng Double Inspires Mosimane's Bafana to Five-Star Destruction of Eritrea
Cairo — Relebohile Mofokeng announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion as Pitso Mosimane's rampant Bafana Bafana thrashed Eritrea 5-0 at Al Salam Stadium on Wednesday to make it two wins from two in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Orlando Pirates Academy graduate, now plying his trade in Belgium, finally opened his account under Mosimane — and he did it with a brace of the highest quality that set the tone for a ruthless Group D performance.
Bafana came into the clash in Egypt — Mosimane's second home — without midfield general Teboho Mokoena through injury, and lost his replacement Bathusi Aubaas early after a knock. But Mosimane's men showed their depth and attacking firepower.
Mofokeng, 21, had already warned Eritrea when he struck the upright early on. In the 19th minute, he made no mistake. Played through by the lively Oswin Appollis, the youngster showed composure beyond his years, calmly slotting past the Eritrean goalkeeper to give South Africa the lead.
South Africa were not entirely convincing in the opening stages as they reshuffled, but the individual brilliance kept coming. On the stroke of halftime, Mofokeng produced a moment of magic — collecting the ball inside the box, weaving past several defenders, and finding the bottom corner for a memorable second.
It was 2-0 at the break, and 3-0 soon after the restart. Sphephelo Sithole, handed a rare chance in the absence of Mokoena, marked it with a composed finish in the 52nd minute to put the result beyond doubt.
The floodgates were open. Iqraam Rayners, finally giving Bafana a goal from a recognised striker after defenders had rescued them against Guinea in the opener, made it 4-0 in the 63rd minute.
Luther Singh completed the rout in the referee's stoppage time — 90+ — to make it five.
The victory keeps Mosimane's side firmly in control of AFCON qualification, with maximum points from their opening two matches after the hard-fought win over Guinea.
It is a statement performance under the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly coach, who is building on Hugo Broos' legacy with his own attacking brand.
For Mofokeng, this was the night his Bafana career ignited.
South Africa will now turn their attention to a high-profile friendly against Egypt on Sunday in Cairo, before returning to qualifying action later in the campaign.
Score:
South Africa (2) 5 — Mofokeng 19', 46', Sithole 52', Rayners 63', Singh 90+
Eritrea (0) 0
Venue: Al Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt
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