Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Luther Singh played a big part as Bafana Bafana beat Eritrea 5-0. The 2027 AFCON qualifier was played at Al Salam Stadium on a Wednesday night.
Mofokeng scored two goals. Appollis set up three goals and Singh scored once. It was South Africa’s second match in the qualifying campaign.
According to IOL, coach Pitso Mosimane spoke highly of Mofokeng at the press conference after the match. He called the young attacker a godsend.
Mosimane also said Mofokeng is hard to coach simply because of his natural talent and quality, IOL reported.
Eritrea are ranked 184th in the world and 50th in Africa. South Africa are ranked 49th in the world and 10th in Africa.
Mofokeng now plays in the Belgian Pro League. IOL said he has grown stronger since the move and now controls the pace of games well.
Before he left, he helped Orlando Pirates win the league and two cup trophies. He scored 11 goals and made nine assists in 39 games for the club.
Appollis was his main partner at Pirates. The two players went to different clubs during pre-season. Against Eritrea, they still linked up well for Bafana.
Mosimane had earlier asked Appollis to adapt to the national team’s style. He told the winger not to depend too much on his club habits.
Appollis likes to cut inside from the wing and then pass or shoot. IOL said this style kept paying off for him against Eritrea.
Singh is back in the Bafana squad for the first time in five years. IOL said he has quick feet, good pace and a strong body that helps him beat defenders.
South Africa have long had a problem finding goals from strikers. Benni McCarthy is the country’s all-time top scorer with 31 goals for Bafana.
Iqraam Rayners has had limited game time at Mamelodi Sundowns. That leaves Mosimane looking for other players who can score up front.
IOL said the three attackers could help Bafana score from many areas of the field, especially on the counter attack. The team will still use a No 9 striker as well.
Mosimane said he would give other players a chance in a friendly against Egypt in Cairo on Sunday night.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL. Image: IOL. 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.