Eritrea vs South Africa – News and Probable Lineups

The qualification process for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is taking form in Group D, where Eritrea will go head-to-head with South Africa on Wednesday, September 30, at the Al-Salaam Stadium in Cairo.

The Red Sea Camels currently lack a stadium that meets international standards, hence why their second match in the group will be held in the Egyptian capital.

Match overview

Eritrea has not qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup, but they are making strides towards that goal this time.

Hesham Yakan, born in Egypt, is the head coach of Eritrea, making him the first foreign figure in the role in 18 years.

The former defender participated in the 1990 World Cup as a player for the Pharaohs, and he is aiming to guide the Red Sea Camels to the prestigious AFCON finals next year.

Being part of Group D means only one qualification spot is available, given that the co-hosts Kenya are also in the mix.

The silver lining for the ‘hosts’ is their recent draw against the Harambee Stars, which puts them in a decent position to potentially shake things up in the group.

Under Yakan’s leadership, Eritrea remains unbeaten, although they have only played three matches since his appointment.

The matchup against South Africa will prove a real test for Yakan as a coach and for Eritrea’s aspirations to secure a spot in the tournament next year.

On the topic of new management, South Africa is in a similar situation, having appointed Pitso Mosimane as their head coach once again.

His return has started on a high note, with Bafana Bafana securing a 2-1 victory at home against Guinea last weekend.

The visitors are poised to make history by qualifying for their third consecutive AFCON, a feat not seen since their appearances between 2000 and 2004.

Mosimane faces a tough challenge in following his predecessor, Hugo Broos, who led the team to their first-ever knockout appearance at a World Cup earlier this year.

The South African side aims to compete in significant tournaments, and Mosimane understands that failure to achieve this could lead to the end of his second tenure as head coach.

With a ranking 130 places above Eritrea, the South African squad is expected to dominate this encounter on paper.

Team News

A major concern for the home side revolves around the fitness of Jamal Ali, who had to be substituted after only 23 minutes against Kenya.

Yonathan Sultan is likely to remain in goal after his impressive display last week, making five saves, three of which were regarded as critical.

In their last match, both goals for South Africa were scored by defenders, with Ime Okon finding the net first.

Aubrey Modiba sustained a knock near the hour mark, which saw Samukelo Kabini step in and net the winning goal with 13 minutes remaining.

Mosimane will be counting on his attacking players, including Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Iqraam Rayners, and Relebohile Mofokeng, to deliver against a side they are expected to overcome.

Eritrea probable starting XI:

Sultan; Fors, Misignha, Embaye, Idris; Tekie, Dignity; Yohannes, Teklezgi, Gerezgiher; Suleiman

South Africa probable starting XI:

Williams; Squirrel, Okon, Lights, Cabin; Sithole, Prince; Maseko, Mofokeng, Appollis; Rayners

África do Sul should be too strong for Eritreia, but having said that, the visitors will struggle for a bit.

The home side have their tails up, and any complacency from the visitors will be punished.

With the Eritreia coach yet to be beaten, it should make for an interesting game.