Eritrea vs South Africa is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, as the teams meet in the second round of Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying.
The Group D match will be played at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, with kick-off listed for 4 p.m. GMT, 6 p.m. South African Standard Time and 7 p.m. East Africa Time.
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Eritrea vs South Africa match details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | AFCON 2027 qualifying |
| Group | Group D |
| Date | Wednesday, September 30, 2026 |
| Venue | Al-Salam Stadium, Cairo |
| Kick-off | 4 p.m. GMT |
How the teams reached matchday two
Eritrea opened its campaign with a 1-1 draw against Kenya in Nairobi on September 26.
The result gave the Red Sea Camels an early point against one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
South Africa began with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
Goals from Peter Shalulile and Samukele Kabini helped Pitso Mosimane’s side claim three points in the coach’s return to the Bafana Bafana bench.
CAF’s account of the opening round said South Africa moved two points clear of the other teams in Group D after the win, while Eritrea’s draw left the qualifying race open.
What is at stake in Group D
Kenya is already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as one of the three co-hosts, alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
That means the other teams in Group D are competing for the group’s remaining qualifying place.
CAF has said the highest-placed non-host nation in the group will advance to the finals.
South Africa would strengthen its position with another positive result, while Eritrea can move into the qualification contest with a win in Cairo.
Why the match is being played in Cairo
The fixture is officially listed as an Eritrea home match, but it will take place at a neutral venue in Egypt.
CAF previously identified Cairo as the location for South Africa’s meeting with Eritrea, and the Eritrean federation lists Al-Salam Stadium as the venue.
The neutral setting means neither side will have the usual advantage of playing in its own national stadium.
It also gives South Africa a short trip within Egypt before the team’s scheduled friendly against the hosts on October 4.
Broadcast information
The Eritrean National Football Federation says AFCON qualifying coverage is available through CAF broadcast partners, including beIN SPORTS and SuperSport, subject to regional availability.
Viewers should check local listings because the channel and streaming options can vary by country.
The match is also listed for beIN SPORTS coverage in the United States, with the start time shown as 11:50 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
What comes next
CAF’s opening qualifying window runs through October 6, with the next rounds scheduled for November 2026 and March 2027.
The 2027 tournament will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
It will mark the first time the AFCON finals are staged jointly across the three East African countries.
For Eritrea and South Africa, Wednesday’s meeting is an early opportunity to gain ground before the qualifying campaign resumes later in the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Eritrea vs South Africa?
The AFCON 2027 qualifying match is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Where will Eritrea vs South Africa be played?
The match will be played at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
What time does Eritrea vs South Africa start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 4 p.m. GMT, 6 p.m. in South Africa and 7 p.m. East Africa Time.
What competition is Eritrea vs South Africa part of?
It is a Group D match in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
How did Eritrea and South Africa perform in their opening qualifiers?
Eritrea drew 1-1 with Kenya, while South Africa defeated Guinea 2-1.
Fact-Checked: Key match details, qualifying rules, opening results and broadcast information were checked against CAF and federation information.
Disclaimer: Kick-off and broadcast details may change, so viewers should confirm local listings before the match.