AFCON Q: Mofokeng scores brace as Mosimane’s Bafana continue to shine

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AFCON Q: Mofokeng scores brace as Mosimane’s Bafana continue to shine
Relebohile Mofokeng playing for Bafana Bafana. Image: Imago

Relebohile Mofokeng scored his first goals for Bafana Bafana who beat Eritrea 5-0 on Wednesday evening at Al-Salam Stadium, Egypt, in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

Having beaten Guinea 2-1 at home in their first game, Pitso Mosimane’s players were aware that victory away will bring them closer to their AFCON appearance in a row.

Jingles named a strong starting XI to ensure they had a big chance of collecting maximum points in the nations’ first ever meeting.

Mofokeng story continues!

The hosts started the game on a high, determined to prove a point against the favourites. Ali Suleiman caught Ronwen Suleiman by surprise, and the skipper pushed the ball out for unfuitful corner.

Williams almost cost his side again in the third minute when he failed to ensure the ball is out of play, and it ended up hitting the crossbar before favourably falling to Ablelom Teklezgi. The skipper teed up Suleiman but the Al Masry attacker missed the target.

Bafana Bafana eventually settled which allowed Relebohile Mofokeng to get into prime areas. The former Orlando Pirates attacker was denied by the upright in the 13th minute. Nevertheless, the Red Sea Camels had no response in the 19th minute when Oswin Appollis provided an assist from which Mofokeng scored his first goal for the country.

The Royale Union Saint-Gilloise star completed his brace in the added minute of the first half, when he danced his way past the defenders before firing home to make it 2-0.

Bafana Bafana finish the job

South Africa needed seven minutes after the restart to make it 3-0. Pirates winger Oswin Appollis cut in from the left before forcing the 19-year-old goalkeeper Yonathan Sultan into a good save, but Sphephelo “Yaya” Sithole was there to convert the rebound.

Mamelodi Sundowns star Iqraam Rayners ended his two-year international goal drought with a fine finish in the 63rd finish; Appollis provided his second assist for the evening.

Mzansi were undone; Appollis was played in, in the stoppages, and the former Rise and Shine player squared the ball for Luther Singh who had no problem writing his name on the score sheet.

The win solidifies Bafana Bafana’s position on top of Group D with maximum points from two games. On Thursday, Kenya will be away to Guinea aiming at collecting their first win after a 1-1 draw against Eritrea in Nairobi last weekend.

South Africa will now remain in Egypt to continue preparations for the international friendly game against the Pharaohs on Sunday.

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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