Bafana Bafana will turn to familiar territory on Wednesday when they face Eritrea in a Group D 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Al Salaam Stadium in Cairo – a home game for Eritrea that won’t be played on their own soil.
Head coach Pitso Mosimane is banking on his strong Egyptian connection to give South Africa an edge, calling on local fans to come out and support Bafana in what is effectively a neutral venue.
Eritrea are forced to play their home matches outside their country because they do not have a stadium that meets CAF’s minimum requirements for international qualifiers.
The lack of a CAF-approved venue, with adequate floodlighting, VAR infrastructure and safety standards, has seen them nominate Cairo as their adopted home for this qualifying campaign.
It is a ground Mosimane knows well. The former Al Ahly coach won two CAF Champions League titles with the Red Devils and remains a revered figure in Egyptian football.
He is hoping that status will translate into support in the stands.
“The Egyptian nation has a very good knowledge of Bafana Bafana,” Mosimane reportedly said in the build-up to the clash.
“Bafana has a good history in Egypt, they also saw them at the World Cup. I am saying to Egyptians, we are brothers. We may be fighting again in a few days but for now we have a very good history.”
South Africa will remain in Egypt after the Eritrea clash to face the Pharaohs themselves in an international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Sunday.
“Even coach Rulani Mokwena is here. I was here. We have a very good foundation with the Egyptian Football Association and we hope Egyptian supporters come to our match and support us.”
“I am saying to the Red Devils fans, they must come to the match and support me against Eritrea. I am expecting them to come. Zamalekians are also good, come and support us. We need everyone’s support.”
The appeal comes after an encouraging start to Bafana’s Group D campaign. South Africa opened with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, with Mosimane’s young players impressing.
That win has set the tone for what Bafana need to do in Cairo – take advantage of Eritrea’s lack of a true home advantage.
Eritrea, ranked among Africa’s lowest sides and often struggling with player availability for away-based fixtures, will be desperate to make their temporary home count, but without a partisan crowd behind them.
Kick-off at Al Salaam Stadium is set for Wednesday evening, with Bafana looking to make it two wins from two before turning their attention to Sunday’s high-profile friendly against hosts Egypt.