Bafana Bafana got their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign off to a winning start after defeating Guinea 2-1 in a Group D clash at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The victory also marked a winning start to Pitso Mosimane’s second tenure as Bafana Bafana head coach.
Ime Okon opened the scoring in the 30th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound following Teboho Mokoena’s dangerous delivery from a short corner.
Bafana Bafana created several opportunities to extend their lead before half-time, but were unable to convert them, while Ronwen Williams was also called into action early on to deny Aliou Balde.
Guinea came back strongly after the break and levelled matters in the 69th minute through Seydouba Cisse, who finished from close range after Serhou Guirassy’s free-kick struck the Bafana wall. The goal was subject to an offside appeal from the hosts.
South Africa regained the lead in the 77th minute when substitutes Yanela Mbuthuma and Samukelo Kabini combined, with Kabini calmly finishing with his left foot to make it 2-1.
Guinea pushed for another equaliser late on, but Bafana held firm to secure all three points.
Mosimane was pleased with Bafana’s first-half display, particularly their high pressing and ability to win possession in advanced areas. However, he acknowledged that South Africa’s failure to convert more of their chances made the match more difficult than it needed to be.
The Bafana coach also stressed the importance of becoming more clinical in front of goal, while defending the team’s attacking approach. He said the number of chances created was a positive sign, but warned that failing to take those opportunities could prove costly against stronger opposition.
Mosimane also praised Guinea for their quality and competitiveness, saying South Africa will face another difficult challenge as the AFCON qualifying campaign progresses. Guinea coach Paulo Duarte was equally complimentary, describing Bafana Bafana as one of the top three teams on the continent alongside Morocco and Senegal.
Bafana Bafana will return to AFCON qualifying action on Wednesday, 30 September, when they face Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt.
South Africa will then remain in Cairo for an international friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October 2026.
