Qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is starting to take shape in Group D as Eritrea take on South Africa at the Al-Salaam Stadium in Cairo.Due to the Red Sea Camels lacking a stadium that meets international standards, their second group fixture will be hosted in the Egyptian capital.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsEritrea, managed by former Egyptian international Hesham Yakan, will be aiming to build on their promising 1-1 draw against Kenya last time out.##NAJAVA_MECA_9995898##South Africa arrive in Cairo under the guidance of Pitso Mosimane, who kicked off his second stint in charge with a 2-1 victory over Guinea.Bafana Bafana are ranked 130 places above their opponents and enter as clear favourites, but with only one automatic qualification spot available alongside co-hosts Kenya, they can ill afford any slip-ups.Kick-off: 7:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Wednesday 30 SeptemberVenue: Al-Salaam Stadium, Cairo, EgyptGroup: AFCON Qualification – Group DCurrent standings: South Africa (1st, 3 pts), Eritrea (2nd, 1 pt)Wissa runs the show as the Leopards spoil Zimbabwe's long-awaited homecomingQualification implications: Only one qualification spot is available from Group D due to Kenya featuring as co-hosts, making every point critical for both sides.Form GuideEritrea; Draw vs Kenya | ✅ Win vs Eswatini | ✅ Win vs Eswatini | ❌ Loss vs Ethiopia | ❌ Loss vs NamibiaSouth Africa ; ✅ Win vs Guinea | ❌ Loss vs Canada | ✅ Win vs South Korea | ➖ Draw vs Czech Republic | ❌ Loss vs MexicoHead-to-Head (Last Meetings)This will be the first competitive meeting between Eritrea and South Africa.##NAJAVA_MECA_9995289##Team NewsEritrea❌ Jamal Ali – Withdrawn with an injury after 23 minutes against Kenya, unlikely to feature.🟢 Yonathan Sultan – Expected to retain his spot in goal following a standout performance.South Africa🟡 Aubrey Modiba – Knock taken in the previous match, subject to assessment.🟢 Samukelo Kabini – Available and push for a starting spot after scoring off the bench.Ghana’s AFCON future in McKinstry’s hands?Player to Watch: Yonathan Sultan (Eritrea)Eritrea's goalkeeper Yonathan Sultan will be central to his side's hopes of frustrating South Africa's potent attack.Sultan produced a heroic display in the 1-1 draw against Kenya, pulling off five crucial saves – three of which denied big scoring opportunities – to keep the Red Sea Camels competitive throughout.With Bafana Bafana expected to control possession and mount sustained pressure in Cairo, Sultan's shot-stopping, positioning, and aerial command will be put to the test once again. If Eritrea are to secure another historic result under Hesham Yakan, they will need their goalkeeper to deliver another standout performance.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)South Africa to Win🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Under 2.5 Goals🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)South Africa to Win 2-1Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.
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