South African football fans have another reason to keep an eye on tonight’s UEFA Champions League action as Relebohile Mofokeng’s Union Saint-Gilloise travel to Norway to face FK Bodø/Glimt in a decisive third qualifying-round second leg.
After a sensational 3–3 draw in the first leg, everything remains to play for at the Aspmyra Stadion. The winner will advance to the Champions League play-off round, taking them one step closer to the league phase.
For South African supporters, however, much of the attention will be on one familiar name: Relebohile Mofokeng.
Mofokeng flying the South African flag in Europe
The young South African has made an encouraging start to life at Union.
After representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Mofokeng joined the Belgian club and immediately made his presence felt, helping Union win the Belgian Super Cup by converting the decisive penalty.
He then came off the bench and scored in his league debut against Westerlo last week.
That means South African football fans have a particularly interesting storyline to follow tonight.
Mofokeng may not yet be a guaranteed starter, but his ability to change a game from the bench makes him one of Union's most exciting attacking options.
And with the tie delicately poised at 3–3, one moment of individual brilliance could make the difference.
Six-goal thriller sets up a massive second leg
The first leg was everything you would want from a European qualifier.
Bodø/Glimt took the lead through Patrick Berg, before Union responded through Raul Florucz, who scored twice. An Ole Blomberg penalty added another for the Norwegian side, while Promise David appeared to have given Union a crucial late advantage.
But Bodø/Glimt refused to surrender.
Odin Bjørtuft scored in stoppage time to make it 3–3, leaving the tie completely open heading into tonight's return fixture.
There is therefore no room for either side to play purely for a draw.
Bodø/Glimt have been almost unstoppable
If Union are to progress, they will have to overcome one of the toughest home teams in European qualifying football.
Bodø/Glimt have won six consecutive league matches since the summer break and have scored 15 goals while conceding just one during that run.
Their home record is another major reason for concern.
The Norwegian club have built a reputation for making Aspmyra Stadion a difficult place for visiting teams, and that home advantage could prove decisive in a tie where the margins are incredibly small.
But Union have their own weapons
Union should not be underestimated.
The Belgian side lifted the Belgian Super Cup on penalties before opening their domestic campaign with an emphatic 5–1 victory over Westerlo.
They also narrowly missed out on the Belgian league title last season and have recent European experience, having reached the Champions League league phase last season.
Their attacking players have also started the season strongly.
Florucz has already scored three goals in his first three competitive appearances, while Canadian striker Promise David has found the net twice.
And then there is Mofokeng.
For South African supporters, watching the 21-year-old potentially play a role in deciding a Champions League tie makes this fixture particularly compelling.
What is at stake?
Quite simply, Champions League survival.
The winner of tonight's tie advances to the play-off round — the final hurdle before reaching the Champions League league phase.
The loser will drop into the Europa League play-off round instead.
So while the financial and sporting rewards are enormous, neither side can afford to approach this as anything other than a must-win European night.
A big night for Mofokeng
For South African football, this is another opportunity to see one of the country's brightest young talents operating on one of the biggest stages in club football.
Mofokeng has already shown that he can make an impact in Europe.
Now, with a Champions League play-off place on the line, the question is whether he can produce another special moment for Union.
Bodø/Glimt 🆚 Union Saint-Gilloise
🏆 UEFA Champions League – 3rd Qualifying Round
📍 Aspmyra Stadion, Norway
⏰ 18:00 SAST
📊 First leg: Union 3–3 Bodø/Glimt
Can Relebohile Mofokeng help Union produce a Champions League upset?
