Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice as Bafana Bafana beat Eritrea 5-0 in an Afcon qualifier in Cairo on Wednesday night.
The match was played at Al Salam Stadium in Egypt. It was South Africa’s second game in the qualifying campaign for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Both of Mofokeng’s goals came in the first half. Bafana went into the break with a 2-0 lead before adding three more goals after half time.
IOL Sport described his second goal as “sheer brilliance”. The attacker worked his way into space, beat the goalkeeper with his movement and struck a hard, low shot into the net.
Mofokeng is 21 years old. He now plays for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the Belgian Pro League. According to IOL Sport, his body and his game have grown stronger since the move to Belgium.
The publication said he was the team’s main attacking threat on the night. Senior striker Iqraam Rayners struggled to make an impact in the same match, it reported.
Oswin Appollis, Mofokeng’s close friend, set up three goals. The two players combined well throughout the game, IOL Sport said.
Appollis played much better than in the previous qualifier. Coach Pitso Mosimane had given him a blunt assessment after Bafana’s 2-1 win over Guinea.
Midfielder Sphephelo Sithole also scored. He controlled play in the centre of the park before he was taken off.
Bafana played without Teboho Mokoena and his usual replacement, Bathusi Aubaas. IOL Sport said their absence was not felt because Sithole took charge of the midfield.
Brooklyn Poggenpoel made his debut for the national team in the match. According to the report, he played without showing nerves, with Sithole guiding him.
IOL Sport said Mofokeng’s free style of play showed that players can still express themselves under Mosimane. Some had worried that the coach’s demanding approach could limit their creativity.
The report also said Mofokeng knows when to slow the game down. He often turns his marker with a drop of the shoulder before releasing the next pass.
The publication said the young forward still has work to do when his team does not have the ball.
Mosimane has spoken about a lack of natural goal poachers among South African footballers. IOL Sport said it was too early to claim Mofokeng is ready to carry the national team on his own.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.