Pitso Mosimane’s Second Test: Bafana Bafana Look to Cement Control of Group D

by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath

image Pitso Mosimane’s Second Test: Bafana Bafana Look to Cement Control of Group D
Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane faces his second major test this evening as South Africa takes on Eritrea in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifier. After beating Guinea 2-1 on his return to the dugout, Mosimane’s side now have a golden opportunity to take control of Group D in Cairo.
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AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: South Africa With No Room for Error In Group D 

It may only be the second match in Group D, but with Kenya automatically qualifying for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, South Africa cannot afford any complacency against an Eritrean side that has already shown it can upset the continental order in this competition. 

Indeed, owing to Kenya’s automatic qualification, Bafana Bafana, Guinea, and Eritrea are effectively fighting for just one solitary ticket to the 2027 finals. Having confirmed our AFCON 2027 predictions by beating Guinea, a victory tonight will put South Africa in the driving seat with six points. 

Eritrea, who are returning to the AFCON qualifiers for the first time since 2008 and have never featured in the main draw of the continental competition, also made a positive start to their campaign by holding the fancied Kenya to a 1-1 in Nairobi last weekend. 

Cairo’s neutral setting could favour Pitso Mosimane’s tactics!

Since Eritrea’s home stadiums do not meet CAF’s international hosting standards, the Red Sea Camels have been forced to host tonight’s fixture at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, and playing on neutral territory provides a significant psychological boost to South Africa. 

The quality of Cairo’s pitch should suit Mosimane’s high-intensity, possession-based style, while the city itself is familiar territory as ‘Jingles’ enjoyed a trophy-laden spell there during his time in charge of Egyptian Premier League giants Al Ahly. 

Eritrea Represent Potential Banana Skin for South Africa in Cairo

Heading into tonight’s clash, Bafana Bafana cannot afford to underestimate Eritrea, who have already shown they are capable of competing at this level with their impressive performance against the Harambee Stars on the road this past weekend. 

The Red Sea Camels have strengthened their squad with disciplined, European-born diaspora players. Bafana Bafana’s defence will need to remain alert to their Swedish-based playmakers and energetic wingers, who are capable of launching quick, direct counter-attacks. 

The core of the side that beat Guinea is likely to remain intact, but Mosimane could make tactical changes to find a way through Eritrea’s compact defence. The key selection call for the Bafana boss will centre on Yanela Mbuthuma and whether the rising star is trusted from the outset to provide a physical presence up front.  

Eritrea vs South Africa: Match Details

  • Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026
  • Kick-Off Time: 18:00 SAST / 16:00 GMT
  • Venue: Al-Salam Stadium, Cairo, Egypt
  • How to Watch: SuperSport or via our Eritrea vs South Africa livescore tool