by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – BAFANA Bafana strengthened their position in the race for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, cruising to a 5-0 victory over Eritrea in Group D at Cairo’s Al Salam Stadium.
South Africa entered the match after beating Guinea 2-1 in their opening qualifier and produced another commanding performance under returning coach Pitso Mosimane.
The victory leaves Bafana with six points from two matches and firmly in control of the group.
Relebohile Mofokeng was the star of the night, scoring twice to register his first goals for South Africa. The young forward opened the scoring in the 19th minute before doubling the advantage shortly before half-time.
Sphephelo Sithole added a third shortly after the interval, pouncing on a rebound after Eritrea goalkeeper Yonathan Sultan struggled to deal with an initial effort.
Iqraam Rayners then made it 4-0 in the 63rd minute, before substitute Luther Singh completed the rout in stoppage time.
The result was particularly significant because Eritrea had begun their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Kenya.
Their defeat leaves them with one point after two matches, while South Africa have opened up an early advantage over their Group D rivals.
There was no other senior AFCON 2027 qualifier played on Wednesday.
CAF’s schedule listed Eritrea against South Africa as the only fixture for September 30, making the heavy South African victory the day’s sole result in the continental qualifying campaign.
Attention now turns to Thursday, when Guinea host Kenya in the second Group D fixture of the current qualifying window.
The match is scheduled for 16:00 GMT at the Stade du 28 Septembre in Conakry.
For Guinea, the match represents an opportunity to recover from their 2-1 defeat by South Africa in Johannesburg.
They currently have no points, making a positive result important as they attempt to stay in contention for qualification.
Kenya, meanwhile, arrive after drawing 1-1 with Eritrea in their opening match.
The Harambee Stars have an unusual position in the group because they are one of the three co-hosts of AFCON 2027, alongside Tanzania and Uganda, and are therefore already assured of a place at the finals.
Only the highest-placed team among the remaining qualifying sides in Group D will join them.
Thursday’s encounter therefore carries different significance for the two nations.
Guinea need points to revive their qualifying campaign, while Kenya can use the fixture to build momentum and sharpen their preparations for the tournament on home soil.
The 2027 AFCON finals will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The qualifying campaign continues through the coming months, with the early results already beginning to shape the race for the available places.
For South Africa, Wednesday’s five-goal victory provides a strong platform.
For Guinea and Kenya, Thursday offers the next opportunity to influence the Group D picture.
– CAJ News