South Africa face Eritrea in a 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Wednesday at Al Salam Stadium. The match is a chance for Bafana Bafana to build on their recent 2-1 victory over Guinea in the same competition.
Hugo Broos's side currently sit second in their World Cup qualifying group with four points from three matches. Their most recent outing was a 1-0 home defeat to Canada in June, which contributed to a recent run of one win, two draws and two losses in their last five games.
South Africa's last starting lineup, used against Guinea, featured Ronwen Williams in goal with a back four of Keagan Sebelebele, Ime Okon, Olwethu Makhanya and Aubrey Modiba. Sphephelo Sithole and Teboho Mokoena anchored midfield, supporting an attacking trio of Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis, with Iqraam Rayners leading the line in a 4-2-3-1 shape.
Eritrea will provide a stern test, having drawn with Kenya and beaten Eswatini in their recent AFCON qualifiers. South Africa will need to improve their goalscoring form, having netted just twice while conceding three times in their World Cup qualifying campaign so far.
The team's next assignment after this trip is to continue their push for a place at the next Africa Cup of Nations finals.
