Bafana Bafana defeated Eritrea 5-0 in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

The coach of the Bafana Bafana national team, Pitsa Mosimane, expressed high praise for Oswin Apollos for his impressive performance during the team's convincing 5-0 victory over Eritrea on Wednesday evening. He also called Relebokhile Mofokeng a top-class player.

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Relebokhile Mofokeng became a central figure in Bafana Bafana's bright victory over Eritrea. Previously, Mosimane had criticized Apollos after the match against Guinea, stating that the player needed to contribute more to the team's defensive actions and not play exclusively in his usual style at Orlando Pirates.

However, in the second qualifying match against Eritrea, held at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Apollos demonstrated one of his best performances for Bafana, playing with composure and showing strong connection with his teammates. He provided an assist to Mofokeng and was involved in the scoring by Ikraam Reyners and Luther Singa.

Mosimane noted his satisfaction with Apollos's game, stating: 'I am satisfied with three assists from Apollos. He can play anywhere—on the flanks, cutting inside, and all that.'

The coach added that Apollos is a good player and helped Luther Singa get an opportunity for a strong return after a long absence.

Singa, who returned to the Bafana squad after a five-year break, effectively utilized his time, quickly forming combinations with the rest of the attacking line. Mosimane emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting: 'Even Luther scored two good goals, which shows that the players are united and there is no selfishness. It is all about teamwork.'

The evening belonged to Mofokeng. The young forward showed his maturity, applying valuable skills gained at the club level with Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in the national team. Mofokeng first capitalized on an assist from Apollos early in the first half to score the first goal from close range. He then completed a brace with his characteristic calm and skill, beating defenders before sending the ball past goalkeeper Jonathan Sultana.

In conclusion, Mosimane stated: 'Rele showed his class. What class. Rele is a top player!' Shephelo Sithole and Ikraam Reyners were also involved in the scoring. Mosimane hopes that the team will continue this successful run in the upcoming friendly match against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.

The Bafana Bafana team began its journey in the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers by defeating Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon. Despite adopting changes for this new era, the team maintained the core values established over the past years.

Pitso Mosimane, leading his second mission, did not start the match perfectly, although he made a respectable beginning. His team appeared transitional, and both he and the players experienced tense moments. Mosimane remained a reserved figure on the sidelines for most of the time, occasionally checking the situation, applauding the regaining of possession, and welcoming two goals from Ime Okona and Samukele Kabini. He resembled a student and spectator more than a leader.

This freedom sometimes proved to be a double-edged sword for the team. The players seemed uncertain, finding it difficult to play freely as they repeatedly apologized to substitutes for every clumsy tackle attempt or lost ball during the day.

Since Mosimane had only been training the team for a week, it was clear that he had not yet established his philosophy. Players often lost possession, allowing the Guineans to create tense defensive moments. Although Mosimane was pleased with the play and Okona's goal, the central defender was sometimes in the attacking half of the field unusually, often against the flow of the game, which put pressure on his defensive line.

His drive to advance and assist in attack also led him to have to return backward. In one instance, he failed to cope, making a dangerous tackle in front of the goal, which resulted in a free kick and a yellow card.

In the first half of the match, Relebokhile Mofokeng looked flawless, but he lacked support. Oswin Apollos tried to find open spaces but could not break through. Mosimane even noted that Apollos needed to improve his defensive play at certain times, rather than just staying up front.

Kamogelo Sebelebele's uncertainty about whether to push forward or stay back during ball circulation caused problems at the start of the first half, when Guinea disrupted the game and started high pressing, and Aliou Baldé created various problems for him on the flanks.

However, after Guinea equalized, the true Bafana of the last five years emerged. The team demonstrated character and an unyielding determination in the search for the winning goal, and captain Ronwen Williams also called on fans to support the team.

This happened. A player who previously showed uncertainty and was somewhat raw displayed maturity under Mosimane's leadership. Kabini brilliantly capitalized on his substitution, scoring the winning goal and demonstrating impressive returns. He didn't just fit into a struggling defense; the team also found its rhythm. Shpefelo Sithole reminded everyone why he was one of the best midfielders in the team at AFCON 2023 before his progress was halted by injury.

Despite the game not being perfect and having too many controversial moments, which highlights the team's transitional period, some effective qualities of the play were shown, helping the team start the qualification campaign at a high level. The result gives Mosimane and his players a foundation for further work, but the match on Wednesday against Eritrea in Cairo should provide another indication of how quickly the new Bafana can establish its identity.

Relebokhile Mofokeng demonstrated a brilliant start in Belgium, scoring a goal in his debut match for Union Saint-Gilloise in their victory over Viktoria Plzeň.

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Mofokeng emphasized that the key to his explosive start in European football is taking control of his own work ethic. He quickly adapted to the new club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, scoring four goals in eight games across all tournaments. Furthermore, he scored the winning penalty in the 2026 Belgian Super Cup.

Although he arrived in Belgium just a few weeks before the season began following an impressive campaign at the World Cup with 'Bafana Bafana' and a successful season with Orlando Pirates, gradual adaptation was expected from him. However, he exceeded expectations, cementing his flawless start by scoring a goal in his European debut when Saint-Gilloise defeated Viktoria Plzeň 3-0 in the first Europa League group stage match on Thursday evening.

Commenting on his performance, Mofokeng stated that European football is not easy at all. During post-match television duties, he noted: 'No, it is not easy. It is very difficult, but yes, we continue to move forward. Every day I force myself to train. I will make it easier myself by working hard and pushing myself.'

Mofokeng's goal against Plzeň showed the instinct of a true striker. He anticipated the trajectory of a long pass from deep, found himself between the opponent's defenders after receiving the ball, and created space to send the ball into the net. He also analyzed his goal, noting: 'We knew from the beginning that if they played with a high line, there were free zones behind them. I think I knew there was space behind them, so it all depended on the pass. It was a great pass from my teammate. So we used those zones very well. That's why we scored three goals.'

Mofokeng's current form is important for 'Bafana Bafana' as the team prepares for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Guinea on Saturday, September 26, and Eritrea on Wednesday, September 30, as well as a friendly match against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on October 4.