Bafana Bafana XI vs Eritrea: Who replaces Mokoena and Modiba?

Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimanea has confirmed his starting XI against Eritrea in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be played at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.

South Africa started their campaign with a 2-1 victory at home against Guinea at the Orlando Stadium four days ago. Eritrea The Red Sea Camels defied the odds in the Matchday 1, securing a 1-1 draw against Kenya at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

As it stands, Mosimane’s team lead Group D with maximum points following the victory over the National Elephants, while the Harambee Stars and Eritrea have a point each.

How have Bafana Bafana started against Eritrea?

In the previous game, coach Mosimane opted to stick with the tried and tasted against Guinea. Orlando Pirates captain Nkosinathi Sibisi was not fully fit, while Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena also suffered injuries.

Bafana Bafana XI: Williams, Okon, Makhanya, Kabini, Sebelebele, Sithole, Aubaas, Mofokeng, Appollis, Maseko, Rayners

Subs: Goss, Chaine, Mbuthuma, Matuludi, Morena, Singh, Seema, Ndamane, Basadien, Mailula, Poggenpoel, Zwane

Bafana Bafana 🇿🇦 starting line up vs Eritrea 🇪🇷

🏟 Al-Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt
🕑 Kick off: 18:00 SA Time
🖥 Live on SABC 2 or SABC +#BafanaPride @StandardBankZA @adidasZA @HonorAfrica @SABC_Sport @REXONA_SA @NUTRITECHFIT @socios @10bet_ZA @CastleLagerSA @flysaa… pic.twitter.com/i7uZoKu4V2

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) September 30, 2026

Mosimane asks for help

Having coached Al Ahly in Egypt, ‘Jingles’ hopes football lovers in the country will cheer his team to victory.

“The Egyptian nation has very good knowledge of Bafana Bafana, the history, the national team has good history in Egypt, they know the players, they saw them in the World Cup, we are saying to the Egyptians, we are brothers,” he told the federation’s media team.

“We might be fighting again in a few days to come, but now that we are here, we have a very good history, even the coach Rulani Mokwena is here, I was here. We have a very good foundation with the Egypt Federation. So we hope the Egyptian supporters come to our match, and support us. I’m talking to the Red Devils, they must come to the match and support us and support me against Eritrea.

“Alahwy, I’m asking you to come and support. Obviously, Zamalekians, they are good, they will come and support us, we need everyone to support us – they know us, we are brothers,” Mosimane concluded.