Two changes: Bafana Bafana’s expected starting 11 vs Eritrea

Eritrea host the game on Wednesday 30 September at 18:00. The fixture is being played in Egypt because Eritrea’s local stadiums do not currently meet the requirements for international matches.

Bafana Bafana will be looking to make it two wins from two in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Wednesday.

Pitso Mosimane’s side opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea, but the coach could make changes for the Group D clash at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo.

Aubrey Modiba’s hamstring injury is one of the biggest selection concerns after the defender was forced off against Guinea. So, who will replace him? And will Mosimane make any other changes to his starting XI?

SOUTH AFRICA STARTING LINE UP TO EXPECT AGAINST ERITREA

The biggest decision will come at left-back following Modiba’s injury. Samukele Kabini came on against Guinea and immediately made an impact, scoring the winning goal in Bafana’s 2-1 victory.

The expectation is that Mosimane could instead opt for the more attacking Fawaaz Basadien from the beginning, with Kabini potentially introduced later if Bafana need to protect a lead and add more defensive solidity.

The biggest attacking question surrounds Mbuthuma.

The striker can hold the ball up and bring Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Thapelo Maseko into the game, potentially giving South Africa a focal point against an Eritrean defence expected to sit deeper.

Iqraan Rayners could then become a dangerous option from the bench when Eritrea begin to tire and spaces open up, could his movement and finishing ability cause even more problems?

Bafana Bafana’s expected starting line up: Ronwen Williams, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon, Fawaaz Basadien, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko, Oswin Appollis, Yanela Mbuthuma.

TOUGH AFCON CLASH

Eritrea, meanwhile, will not arrive without confidence. The Red Sea Camels held Kenya to a 1-1 draw in Nairobi. Nahom Girmai Netabay gave them an early lead before the hosts equalised.

Could they cause another surprise against Bafana?

Eritrea are coached by Egyptian Hesham Yakan. They have several diaspora-based players in their squad, including Sheffield United’s Siem Eyob-Abraha and forward Ali Sulieman.

Despite a much higher FIFA ranking, South Africa therefore cannot afford to underestimate their opponents. For Mosimane and Bafana Bafana, the mission is clear: three points and another step towards AFCON 2027.

CAN ERITREA SURPRISE BAFANA BAFANA?

Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.