Bafana Bafana celebrate their 2-1 win over Guinea at Orlando Stadium in Pitso Mosimane’s first match back in charge. Image credit Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images
Bafana Bafana beat Guinea 2-1 at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday to open their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The Bafana Bafana Guinea clash also marked Pitso Mosimane’s first match back in charge of the national team, and he started his new era with maximum points.
Defender Ime Okon gave South Africa the lead in the first half. He rose at the near post to meet a corner and put Bafana ahead before the break.
Earlier, Guinea created the first real chance of the match. Aliou Balde got a shot away, but captain Ronwen Williams made the save. Soon after, Relebohile Mofokeng missed a chance to punish a Guinea defensive error.
Late winner settles Bafana Bafana Guinea clash
After the break, Guinea pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Eventually, Seydouba Cisse beat Williams from close range midway through the second half to level the score at 1-1.
However, Bafana responded quickly. Striker Samukele Kabini restored the lead late in the match, finishing from close range to beat the Guinea goalkeeper. South Africa then held on to secure the win.
As a result, Bafana Bafana sit top of Group D after the opening round. In the other group match, Kenya and Eritrea played to a 1-1 draw.
The result gives Mosimane a strong start to his second spell as head coach. Many South African fans welcomed his return, and the win at a packed Orlando Stadium lifted the mood around the team.
Next, Bafana travel to Cairo to face Eritrea on 30 September in their second Group D qualifier. A win there would put South Africa in a strong position early in the campaign.
For now, the Bafana Bafana Guinea victory gives the squad and supporters plenty to celebrate as Mosimane’s new era gets under way.