Bafana Bafana’s striker drought ends as Rayners scores against Eritrea

After 6 matches, a Bafana Bafana striker has scored for their country.

Heading into the game against Eritrea, questions were mounting about where the scoring duties really lay.

Pitso Mosimane seems to have found the answer after an emphatic win in Cairo today (30 September).

Rayners steps up after Mofokeng masterclass

ESPN Africa was among publications that reported on Bafana Bafana’s so-called striker problems.

Who would be used upfront was the biggest question Mosimane had to field before the game began.

With Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa out, Iqraam Rayners and Yanela Mbuthuma were the options.

However, neither of the two had been consistent scorers, highlighting a deeper issue for Bafana Bafana.

Against Eritrea, Rayners ended the striker drought and may quell the discussion – for the time being.

Following a Relebohile Mofokeng brace and one from Yaya Sithole, he added South Africa’s fourth on 63 minutes.

A comprehensive 5-0 win was capped by a Luther Singh goal late in stoppage time.

The result leaves Bafana Bafana at the top of their 2027 AFCON qualifier group.

Who scored for Bafana Bafana in recent games?

Before the Eritrea game, defenders Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini scored in the 2-1 win over Guinea.

Looking further back, winger Thapelo Maseko’s goal sealed the historic World Cup victory against South Korea.

Teboho Mokoena, as a midfielder, was on the sheet in the 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic a week earlier.

In fact, the last time a striker had scored was the friendly against Jamaica in June 2026, which ended 1-1.

Lyle Foster added a goal that was cancelled out by Dwayne Atkinson in stoppage time, according to SAFA.

Mosimane has been frank about the lack of experience at the front and his limited striker options.

For now, Bafana Bafana are still coming away with wins, which should be what counts at this stage.

HAS RAYNERS DONE ENOUGH TO END THE STRIKER DROUGHT QUESTIONS?