South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying match against Eritrea in Cairo has begun with an early injury setback for Bafana Bafana, as Aubaas was forced off after 11 minutes.
Aubaas pulled a muscle and was replaced by Poggenpoel, who is making his official debut in a competitive match.
South Africa had already threatened when Mofokeng struck the post with a powerful left-footed effort in the 10th minute. Earlier, Eritrea missed a good opportunity after Yohannes found a loose ball inside the penalty area but shot wide.
Bafana Bafana created their first opening in the fourth minute, when Makhanya’s long diagonal pass picked out Sebelebele in the box. However, Sebelebele’s first touch was too heavy.
Eritrea produced the first shot of the match after launching a quick counter-attack in the second minute. Suleman’s effort was saved by Williams, who turned the ball behind for a corner.
The Group D fixture is being played at Cairo’s Al Salam Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00. Eritrea cannot host the match at home because their current stadiums do not meet the requirements for international fixtures.
South Africa arrived in Egypt for their second qualifying match after beginning their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
They are without injured duo Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba, while Eritrea take confidence from their 1-1 draw with Kenya in Nairobi. Nahom Girmai Netabay put the Red Sea Camels ahead early in that match before the hosts equalised.
Eritrea are coached by Egyptian Hesham Yakan and have several diaspora-based players in their squad, including Sheffield United defender Siem Eyob-Abraha and forward Ali Sulieman.
Despite South Africa’s considerably higher FIFA ranking, Pitso Mosimane’s team will be expected to avoid underestimating an Eritrea side that have already shown they can compete away from home.
A victory in Cairo would give Bafana Bafana three more points and move them another step closer to qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Starting line-ups
Eritrea: Yonathan Sultan (1), Hennos Asmelash (16), Jozef Misghina (33), Namrud Embaye (14), Jonas Idris (3), Ablelom Teklezghi (8), Tesfaldet Tekie (9), Nahom Netabay (20), Esrom Yohannes (12), Filmon Gerezgiher (7), Ali Suleman (10).
Substitutes: Malik Abdurahman, Yoel Kebreab, Mussie Beraky, Yonathan Sebhatu, Nahom Tadese, Yoel Gerezgiher, Yoel Yilma, Yonael Yonas, Awet Isaac, Awet Alemseged, Fahmi Ibrahim, Maiil Lundgren, Nobel Gebrezghi, Romel Abdu.
South Africa: Williams (captain), Okon, Makhanya, Kabini, Sebelebele, Sithole, Aubaas, Mofokeng, Appollis, Maseko, Rayners.
Substitutes: Chaine, Mbuthuma, Matuludi, Morena, Singh, Seema, Ndamane, Basadien, Mailula, Poggenpoel, Zwane.
