Bafana Bafana player ratings: Mofokeng and Appollis shine in Eritrea rout

South Africa produced a dominant display in Cairo on Wednesday night, sweeping aside Eritrea 5-0 to make it two wins from two in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis were at the heart of Bafana Bafana’s attacking brilliance, while Iqraam Rayners, Sphephelo Sithole and Luther Singh also found the net in a performance that gave coach Pitso Mosimane plenty to consider ahead of Sunday’s friendly against Egypt.

Ronwen Williams – 6/10

A strange night for the Bafana captain. Williams looked uncomfortable in the opening exchanges, including a spill that gave Eritrea a corner, before settling down. He made an excellent save in the second half to preserve his clean sheet. 

Kamogelo Sebelebele – 7/10

A relatively quiet night defensively, but Sebelebele did his job and offered an outlet on the right. He is beginning to look increasingly comfortable in the position.

Ime Okon – 7/10

Another composed showing from the centre-back. Eritrea did not provide the sternest examination, but Okon dealt with what came his way and helped Bafana keep another clean sheet.

Olwethu Makhanya – 6/10

Solid before making way for debutant Lebone Seema. He picked up a yellow card but otherwise had little difficulty dealing with Eritrea’s attack.

Samukele Kabini – 7/10

Another encouraging performance from the young left-back. Kabini showed attacking intent and produced the pass that released Mofokeng for his second goal. 

Bathusi Aubaas – N/A

His night lasted only 11 minutes before an injury forced him off. There was simply not enough time to fairly assess him. 

Sphephelo Sithole – 7/10

A controlled midfield performance capped by his second Bafana goal. Sithole was composed in possession and helped South Africa dictate the tempo.

Thapelo Maseko – 5 /10

Provided pace and width but did not have the same influence as some of the attackers around him. His delivery could have been better, although he remained a threat.

Oswin Appollis – 8/10

This was the response Mosimane would have wanted. Appollis produced three assists — for Mofokeng, Rayners and Singh — and his shot also led to Sithole’s goal. After being challenged by Mosimane to contribute more to the team, he responded emphatically. 

The star of the show. Mofokeng scored his first two Bafana goals, hit the post and constantly threatened Eritrea. The second goal was particularly impressive, with his footwork inside the box showing exactly why Mosimane describes him as a “magician”. 

Iqraam Rayners – 6.5/10

An important night for the striker. After the discussion around Bafana’s No.9 position, Rayners took his opportunity with a composed finish for the fourth goal. He also worked hard before making way for Cassius Mailula.

Substitutes

Brooklyn Poggenpoel – 8/10

A very impressive introduction after replacing the injured Aubaas. Poggenpoel looked comfortable immediately and played a role in the build-up to the opening goal. His Bafana debut could hardly have gone better. 

Luther Singh – 7/10

A dream return. After being out of the Bafana picture for more than five years, Singh came off the bench and scored the fifth goal. He also looked willing to combine with the attacking players around him. 

Lebone Seema – 6.5/10

A composed Bafana debut after replacing Makhanya. He was not heavily tested but did what was required.

Cassius Mailula – 6/10

Had limited time to make an impact after replacing Rayners. The game was already effectively won when he entered.

Themba Zwane – 6.5/10

Another cameo rather than enough minutes to properly influence the match. He helped see out the game after replacing Sithole