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Soccer

Bafana Bafana make winning start to AFCON qualifying

───   MORGAN PIEK 07:55 Sun, 27 Sep 2026

Bafana Bafana make winning start to AFCON qualifying | News Article
Ime Okon - SAFA

Bafana Bafana made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, but they were made to work all the way before edging Guinea 2-1 at Orlando Arena in Soweto on Saturday afternoon.

The victory was celebrated although South Africa's performance was anything but comfortable. In what was coach Pitso Mosimane’s first game back in charge, Bafana Bafana created enough opportunities to have put the game to bed earlier, but their inability to convert their chances kept Guinea firmly in the contest.

South Africa eventually broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when defender Ime Okon found the back of the net.

The goal settled the hosts and, for periods, Bafana Bafana looked capable of taking control of the match. They moved the ball with purpose and created openings in the final third, but the finishing touch proved elusive.

Guinea refused to simply sit back and admire their opponents' work. The West Africans continued to ask questions of the South African defence and were rewarded for their persistence in the 68th minute.

Seydouba Cisse found the equaliser to silence the home crowd and breathe fresh life into Guinea's challenge.

The visitors were now firmly in the contest, and Bafana Bafana had to show character to regain their advantage.

That response came nine minutes later when Samukele Kabini produced the decisive moment, scoring in the 77th minute to restore South Africa's lead.

Guinea pushed hard for another equaliser in the closing stages, but Bafana Bafana managed to keep their heads and see out the match to secure three valuable points.

Head coach Pitso Mosimane acknowledged the quality of the opposition and warned that Guinea will provide another stern test when the sides meet again.

“We have to give respect to Guinea. It will be a very interesting game when they play in Kenya. This is a quality team,” Mosimane said.

Guinea coach Paulo Duarte was gracious in defeat and offered a glowing assessment of Bafana Bafana's quality.

Duarte believes South Africa belong among Africa's leading sides, placing them alongside Morocco and Senegal. He highlighted the strength of Mosimane's team across all areas of the pitch.

There is little time for Bafana Bafana to celebrate, however.

Following the match, the squad travelled to OR Tambo International Airport before boarding a flight to Cairo for their next assignment.

South Africa face Eritrea at the Al-Salam Stadium on Wednesday, before rounding off their stay in Egypt with an international friendly against the hosts at Cairo International Stadium on 4 October.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport

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