Iqraam Rayners has ended Bafana Bafana’s recent striker scoring drought after finding the net in South Africa’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Eritrea in Cairo.
The goal came at an important time for Pitso Mosimane, who had faced questions over his options in the centre-forward position following a run of matches in which Bafana’s goals had largely come from other areas of the team.
Rayners Breaks the Drought
With Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa unavailable, the responsibility up front fell on Rayners and Yanela Mbuthuma.
Neither striker had been able to establish a consistent scoring run for Bafana before the Eritrea encounter, adding to the scrutiny around South Africa’s attacking options.
Rayners changed that on Wednesday.
After Relebohile Mofokeng had produced a two-goal performance and Sphephelo Sithole had also scored, Rayners struck in the 63rd minute to put Bafana 4-0 ahead.
Luther Singh later completed the rout with a stoppage-time goal.
The result also moved South Africa to the top of their 2027 AFCON qualifying group and provided Mosimane with another positive result during his early spell in charge.
When Did a Bafana Striker Last Score?
Before Rayners’ goal, South Africa had gone six matches without a goal from a recognised striker.
In the 2-1 victory over Guinea, defenders Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini were responsible for the goals.
Thapelo Maseko scored in the historic World Cup victory over South Korea, while midfielder Teboho Mokoena was on target in the 1-1 draw with Czech Republic.
The last goal from a Bafana striker before Rayners came in the June 2026 friendly against Jamaica. Lyle Foster scored for South Africa in that 1-1 draw.
A Timely Boost for Mosimane
The lack of experienced striking options has been a talking point around the national team, particularly with Foster and Makgopa unavailable for this round of fixtures.
Rayners’ goal does not automatically settle the debate over South Africa’s centre-forward position, but it gives Mosimane another positive development to consider.
With Bafana continuing their AFCON qualifying campaign at the top of the group, Rayners will hope his latest goal can become the starting point for a more consistent scoring run in the national team.
