Orlando Pirates Star Matches His Historic Bafana Bafana Feat During 5–0 Win Over Eritrea

• Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis turned in a standout performance during Bafana Bafana's AFCON qualifier on Wednesday
• A key midfield starter was forced off early due to injury, raising questions about Pitso Mosimane's selection decisions
• South Africa's attention now shifts to two major fixtures in quick succession, including a clash with Egypt

Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis is carrying his brilliant club form onto the international stage, delivering another commanding performance as Bafana Bafana demolished Eritrea 5-0 in their latest AFCON qualifying fixture on Wednesday.

Appollis registered a hat-trick of assists during the rout, making him the only player to have achieved that feat twice for the national team. The first occasion came in 2024 against Congo, meaning he has now rewritten his own piece of Bafana history.

**A Record That Belongs to Him Alone**

The 5-0 victory extended South Africa's winning start under new head coach Pitso Mosimane, with the team now boasting back-to-back wins in the AFCON qualifying campaign. Appollis has been central to that momentum, establishing himself as the side's most dangerous creative outlet.

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**Aubaas Starts, Then Exits Early**

One of the more debated selection calls from Mosimane was the inclusion of 31-year-old Bathusi Aubaas in the starting line-up. The midfielder has made only three Betway Premiership appearances this season, contributing a single assist. In the 2024-25 campaign he managed 14 league outings, but across that season and the one that followed, he failed to register a single goal or assist at club level.

Aubaas lasted just 12 minutes before being substituted off with an injury, which only added fuel to the scepticism some supporters had already expressed about his place in the squad.

Bafana Bafana will not have long to savour the win. A friendly against Egypt is scheduled for Sunday, 4 October, with kick-off set for 20:00.

For Appollis, the international break leads directly into one of the biggest club fixtures on the local calendar. The defending Betway Premiership champions, Orlando Pirates, face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final on Saturday, 10 October at 15:00, giving the winger precious little time to rest before another high-stakes occasion.

Source: Briefly News