Relebohile Mofokeng Stars as Bafana Bafana Dismantle Eritrea 5-0 in AFCON Qualifiers
Relebohile Mofokeng led Bafana Bafana to a 5-0 victory over Eritrea in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, September 30. The Royale Union Saint-Gilloise forward displayed newfound ambidexterity during the match, drawing praise from Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune. The win keeps Pitso Mosimane’s side at the top of their qualifying group with a flawless record following an earlier victory against Guinea. Mofokeng, who moved to the Belgian top flight from the PSL, surprised onlookers with a precise strike using his left foot. Khune noted that while the forward is traditionally known for being stronger on his right side, his technical execution in the penalty area troubled the Eritrean defense. “Yeah, beautiful strike with his left foot,” Khune remarked, as quoted by iDiski Times. “And I mean, he surprised all of us because we know that he’s stronger with his right foot, but here, he connected the ball very well.”
Vaal Tripple M Squad Dynamics and International Experience
The Bafana Bafana squad features a strong contingent of young talent hailing from the Vaal region, notably Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Tshepang Moremi. Moremi earned a late call-up to the national team squad to replace Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe, who sustained an ankle injury. This adjustment completed the grouping of the three players under coach Pitso Mosimane.
Both Mofokeng and Maseko maintain regular minutes abroad, competing in Belgium and Denmark respectively. Mofokeng features for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, where he has recorded four goals in nine appearances across all competitions, while Maseko plays for FC Copenhagen. Their international exposure has translated into consistent starting roles for the national team, building on their earlier appearances under Hugo Broos.
Tactical Integration and Recent Form for Club and Country
Mofokeng’s ascension within South African football follows a standout domestic campaign with Orlando Pirates, where he secured both the Footballer of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season accolades. While Mofokeng has established himself as a central figure for Union SG with four goals in nine outings, national team observers note that translating this club form consistently into the senior international setup remains an ongoing focus. At 21 years of age, the attacker possesses two years of experience within the Bafana Bafana environment, positioning him to shoulder greater creative responsibilities in upcoming continental fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Relebohile Mofokeng and Bafana Bafana
Bafana Bafana defeated Eritrea 5-0 at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo on Wednesday, September 30.
* Which clubs do Relebohile Mofokeng and Thapelo Maseko represent abroad? Relebohile Mofokeng plays for Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, and Thapelo Maseko plays for FC Copenhagen in Denmark.
* Why was Tshepang Moremi added to the Bafana Bafana squad? Tshepang Moremi was called up as a replacement for Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebohang Maboe, who had to withdraw from the team due to an ankle injury.
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