Eritrea vs South Africa AFCON Qualifier Preview
South Africa are aiming to maintain their winning start in Group D of the AFCON qualifiers when they travel to Eritrea for their second fixture.
Bafana Bafana have been solid lately and will be confident of getting the better of the hosts.
Key Stats
- South Africa have won two of their last three matches in all competitions.
- South Africa are unbeaten in three of their last four matches in all competitions.
- Eritrea are winless in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions.
- Eritrea have failed to score in six of their last nine matches in all competitions.
No Previous Meetings
This will be the first ever meeting between Eritrea and South Africa at this level.
Eritrea Seeking a Spark
Eritrea come into this clash off the back of a 1-1 away draw with Kenya in their previous fixture. They opened the scoring in the first half through Nahom Girmai and held on for long periods before conceding the equaliser three minutes from time.
While manager Hesham Yakan will be disappointed not to have seen out the win, the result means Eritrea are now unbeaten in their last three matches. Among the results for the Red Sea Camels is a 2-1 victory over Eswatini in the preliminary qualifying round.
A closer look at Eritrea’s overall form reveals a string of poor results, having failed to win seven of their last nine matches in all competitions. They have also struggled in attack and are without a goal in six of those nine fixtures.
Promising Start for South Africa
South Africa began their campaign in Group D with a 2-1 victory over Guinea. Ime Okon opened the scoring midway through the first half while Samukelo Kabini grabbed the winner after the visitors pulled one back.
It was a solid start for South Africa and maintains a fine recent run, having gone unbeaten in three of their last four matches in all competitions. Bafana Bafana have also won two of their last three matches, with a 1-0 victory over South Korea among their results.
South Africa often travel well and are unbeaten in their last three away matches in all competitions. Pitso Mosimane’s team also maintain their defensive discipline on the road, keeping clean sheets in all three fixtures.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Eritrea (4-2-3-1): Yonathan Sultan; Victor Fors, Jozef Misignha, Namrud Embaye, Jonas Idris; Tesfaldet Tekie, Nahom Girmai; Esrom Yohannes, Ablelom Teklezgi, Filimon Gerezgiher; Ali Suleiman.
Jamal Ali was forced off in the first half against Kenya and could miss Wednesday's clash. Jozef Misignha could come in at the back while Ali Suleiman is likely to continue in attack.
South Africa (4-2-3-1): Ronwen Williams; Kamogelo Sebelebele, Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya, Aubrey Modiba; Yaya Sithole, Teboho Mokoena; Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis; Iqraam Rayners.
South Africa have no injuries or suspensions heading into this clash and are unlikely to make sweeping changes to the team. Ime Okon should start at the back while Teboho Mokoena is set to line up in midfield, with Iqraam Rayners leading the line once again.