Pitso Mosimane Identifies Eritrea Striker Threat Ahead of Crucial Bafana Bafana Clash in Egypt
- Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane identified Eritrean striker Ali Sulieman as a key threat ahead of their 2027 AFCON Group D qualifier in Cairo
- Sulieman scored 3 goals in Eritrea's qualifying rounds and provided an assist in their 1-1 draw against Kenya last Saturday
- Bafana will be without Mamelodi Sundowns duo Aubrey Modiba and Teboho Mokoena, who were both injured during the win over Guinea
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Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has urged his squad not to underestimate Eritrea ahead of Wednesday's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifier at the Al Salaam Stadium in Cairo, placing particular focus on the threat posed by striker Ali Sulieman.
Sulieman, 26, plies his trade for Egyptian club Al Masry and was central to Eritrea reaching the group stage of the qualifiers, netting three times across their two-legged tie against Eswatini. He continued to impress in Eritrea's opening Group D match against Kenya in Nairobi on Saturday, setting up Nahom Girmai's goal in a 1-1 draw that denied the hosts a home victory.
Mosimane highlights Sulieman's versatility
Mosimane pointed to Sulieman's pace, two-footedness, and danger from set pieces and penalties as qualities Bafana must account for. He also drew attention to the Eritrea result in Nairobi, noting that Kenya required a late equaliser to salvage a point, as evidence that the Red Sea Camels are a competitive outfit deserving of respect.
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Despite the caution, Mosimane encouraged his players to carry the confidence from their opening-match result. South Africa began their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win over Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena, though the coach acknowledged his side were not as clinical as they could have been, having missed several chances. He called on the squad to maintain that winning attitude and fight for every ball against Eritrea.
Injury concerns force Bafana reshuffle
Bafana travel to Cairo without two Mamelodi Sundowns regulars. Left-back Aubrey Modiba and midfielder Teboho Mokoena both picked up injuries during the Guinea fixture and have been ruled out of Wednesday's match.
Samukele Kabini, whose substitute appearance off the bench produced the decisive goal against Guinea, is in line to fill the vacancy left by Modiba. Bathusi Aubaas is expected to slot into Mokoena's midfield role.
The qualifier in Cairo kicks off what could be a testing fixture for a Bafana side still finding their rhythm in the group, facing an Eritrean outfit that has already demonstrated it can hold its own against stronger opposition.
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Source: Briefly News
