Eritrea vs South Africa prediction 30.09.2026 | Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying

Eritrea arrive in Cairo after earning a deserved 1:1 draw against Kenya in their opening Group D qualifier on Saturday.

Nahom Girmai gave Hesham Mohammed Zaki Yakan's side a first-half lead before Ryan Ogam rescued a point for Kenya late in the contest.

The Red Sea Camels are now unbeaten in three competitive fixtures following their 4:1 aggregate victory against Eswatini in the preliminary qualification round.

Out of action since 2019, Eritrea have made an impressive return to the international arena, remaining unbeaten in all four games played since May 2025. 

Eritrea have rebuilt their squad around several overseas-based players and look far more competitive than their FIFA ranking suggests. However, facing South Africa represents a significant step up in quality.

Hesham Mohammed Zaki Yakan is likely to retain confidence in the same side that drew with Kenya. Eritrea have no new injury issues.

South Africa make the short trip to Cairo after beginning their qualifying campaign with a 2:1 victory against Guinea at Orlando Stadium.

Ime Okon opened the scoring before Seydouba Cisse levelled the contest. Substitute Samukelo Kabini’s second-half strike secured the points to give Pitso Mosimane a successful start to his third spell in charge.

Before last weekend’s win against Guinea, Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup before suffering a narrow 1:0 defeat against co-hosts Canada.

While a solid unit, goals have been hard to come by for the South Africans. The away side scored an average of just 0.8 goals per game in their last ten internationals. All ten of those matches finished with under 3.5 goals scored. 

Head coach Mosimane could retain the majority of the side that started against Guinea. 

Kabini is pushing for a place in the first XI after scoring the winner, while Lyle Foster and Evidence Makgopa are also in contention to feature.