All the records that tumbled in Bafana Bafana's thrashing of Eritrea
South Africa’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Eritrea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier was more than just another three points.
The commanding performance produced several milestones for Bafana Bafana and head coach Pitso Mosimane, while Relebohile Mofokeng, Sphephelo Sithole, Iqraam Rayners and Luther Singh all found the net.
Bafana’s Biggest Away Victory
The five-goal triumph became South Africa’s largest-ever win in an away-designated match and their biggest victory outside the country.
It surpassed previous four-goal wins, including the 5-1 result against Eswatini and 4-0 victories over Gambia and Namibia.
One of Their Biggest Wins Ever
The result also ranks among Bafana Bafana’s biggest victories regardless of venue.
Only their 6-0 demolition of Seychelles in 2018 stands above it. South Africa have also recorded 5-0 wins over Guatemala and Congo, meaning this was the fourth occasion they have won a match by five goals or more.
A Record Start to the AFCON Campaign
After two qualifying matches, South Africa have already scored seven goals — their best attacking return across the opening two games of an AFCON qualifying campaign.
The 5-0 win also gave them two victories from their opening two qualifiers, something they had not achieved since 2000.
There is another piece of history still within reach. Bafana had never previously won their first three matches in an AFCON qualifying campaign, making their next qualifier another potential milestone.
Mosimane’s Biggest Win
The Eritrea result was also the biggest victory of Mosimane’s tenure as South Africa coach.
His previous best had been a 3-0 win over Burkina Faso in a 2011 friendly. The five-goal margin therefore established a new personal record for the coach.
Singh Ends a Long Wait
Luther Singh’s goal was particularly significant on a personal level.
The forward had waited five years, 11 months and 22 days to score his next goal for Bafana Bafana.
However, that is still some way short of the national team record. Thabiso Kutumela holds the longest gap between international goals for South Africa, with more than nine years separating his two strikes.
Appollis Makes History With Three Assists
Oswin Appollis was another standout performer.
The winger registered three assists during the 5-0 victory, becoming the first Bafana player to achieve that feat since he also supplied three assists in the 5-0 win over Congo in 2024.
He was also involved in the build-up to another goal, although his shot was saved before Sithole converted the rebound, meaning it did not officially count as an assist.
With Bafana Bafana now enjoying a perfect start to their AFCON qualifying campaign, the victory over Eritrea has given Mosimane and his squad plenty of momentum heading into their next challenges.

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