Relebohile Mofokeng delivered a standout performance, scoring twice as South Africa overwhelmed Eritrea 5-0 at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, securing six points from their first two TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifying matches.

Mofokeng opened the scoring in the 19th minute, latching onto a precise through ball from Oswin Appollis and calmly rolling his effort past the goalkeeper for his first senior international goal. The Royale Union Saint-Gilloise forward had already rattled the post before that breakthrough, and he doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time with a dazzling solo run through the Eritrean defence, finishing low into the bottom corner.

The evening had begun with a setback for Pitso Mosimane's side — Bathusi Aubaas was forced off injured after only 11 minutes, replaced by Brooklyn Poggenpoel — but South Africa absorbed the disruption and grew into a commanding performance.

Second-half goals complete a dominant display

South Africa wasted no time after the break. Appollis tested the Eritrea goalkeeper seven minutes into the second half, and Sphephelo Sithole pounced on the rebound to make it 3-0, his second goal for the national side.

Iqraam Rayners extended the lead to 4-0 in the 63rd minute when Mofokeng slipped him into space and the Mamelodi Sundowns forward converted with a composed finish. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was called into an excellent stop at the other end as Eritrea pressed for a consolation, but South Africa's grip on the match never loosened.

Substitute Luther Singh wrapped up the scoring in second-half stoppage time, tapping home from close range after another assist from the tireless Appollis to complete a 5-0 rout.

Perfect start under Mosimane

The result follows South Africa's 2-1 home win over Guinea on Saturday and leaves Bafana Bafana top of Group D with a maximum six points. The task ahead remains clear — with co-hosts Kenya already guaranteed a place at the 2027 finals, only the highest-ranked side from the group among South Africa, Guinea, and Eritrea will join them.

Mosimane's return to the Bafana Bafana job continues to gather momentum. South Africa will stay in Cairo and face Egypt in a friendly on Sunday before refocusing on qualification later in the year.