Bafana Bafana will be aiming for back-to-back victories in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign when they face Eritrea in Cairo on Wednesday.
South Africa opened Group D with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at Orlando Stadium, but Pitso Mosimane could make adjustments to his starting XI for the second qualifier.
The match will be played at Al-Salam Stadium at 18:00 on 30 September, with Eritrea hosting the fixture in Egypt because its home venues currently do not meet the required international standards.
Modiba Injury Creates Left-Back Selection Question
One of the biggest decisions facing Mosimane concerns the left-back position.
Aubrey Modiba was forced off during the Guinea victory with a hamstring problem, leaving the coach with a decision to make ahead of the Eritrea clash.
Samukele Kabini replaced Modiba and went on to score Bafana’s winning goal. However, the expectation is that Fawaaz Basadien could be given the starting role this time around.
Basadien would offer a more attacking option from the outset, while Kabini could potentially be used later in the match if South Africa need greater defensive protection.
Mbuthuma Could Lead the Attack
Another intriguing selection call is expected in the striker position.
Yanela Mbuthuma could be handed the responsibility of leading the line, with his physical presence potentially giving Bafana an important focal point against an Eritrean side that may defend in a compact shape.
His ability to hold the ball up could also create space for the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Thapelo Maseko to attack from more advanced positions.
Iqraam Rayners could provide an alternative option from the bench. His movement and finishing could become particularly useful if Eritrea begin to tire during the second half.
The Expected Bafana Starting XI
Based on the expected changes, South Africa’s predicted XI is:
Ronwen Williams; Kamogelo Sebelebele, Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon, Fawaaz Basadien; Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena; Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko, Oswin Appollis; Yanela Mbuthuma.
The selection would retain several of the players who started against Guinea while introducing potential changes at left-back and in the attacking setup.
Eritrea Will Not Be Pushovers
South Africa will enter the match with confidence after their opening-round victory, but Eritrea have already shown they can make life difficult for opponents.
The Red Sea Camels held Kenya to a 1-1 draw in Nairobi, with Nahom Girmai Netabay putting Eritrea ahead before the hosts found an equaliser.
Egyptian coach Hesham Yakan is in charge of the Eritrean team, which also includes several players based outside the country. Sheffield United’s Siem Eyob-Abraha and forward Ali Sulieman are among the players available to the squad.
That result against Kenya means Bafana will have to approach Wednesday’s encounter seriously rather than assuming the points will come easily.
Mosimane Targets Another Three Points
For Mosimane, the objective is straightforward: maintain the winning momentum and collect another three points in Group D.
After beating Guinea, Bafana have an opportunity to strengthen their position early in the qualification campaign. The coach’s decisions over Modiba’s replacement and the attacking structure could therefore prove important.
Whether Basadien gets the nod at left-back and Mbuthuma leads the attack will be confirmed when the official teams are announced.
Will Bafana Bafana make it two wins from two against Eritrea?
