Pitso Mosimane believes Bafana Bafana have the quality and experience to overcome Guinea when the two nations meet in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Saturday, 26 September.
South Africa host Guinea at Orlando Stadium, with Mosimane confident his side has done enough preparation to deal with the threat posed by the West Africans.
Bafana enter the Group D clash ranked 54th in the world, while Guinea are ranked 81st.
However, Mosimane knows the rankings will count for little once the two teams take to the field.
The sides have met three times previously, with South Africa recording one victory, one draw and one defeat.
Pitso Mosimane wary of Guinea striker
Mosimane has identified Guinea’s physical presence in attack as one of the main threats Bafana will need to contain.
“Guinea, they have a top striker who plays for Borussia Dortmund, he’s a top striker, top number nine big boy so we have to make sure that we deal with his aerial strength,” Mosimane said.
The Bafana Bafana coach is also aware of the European experience within the Guinean squad, with several of their players competing abroad.
However, he believes South Africa’s own experience at club level gives them enough quality to compete.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players crucial
Mosimane pointed to the pedigree of the Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players in his squad.
Orlando Pirates’ success in domestic football and Mamelodi Sundowns’ experience competing at the highest level of African club football have given several Bafana Bafana players exposure to high-pressure matches.
“Centre back – the other one is in Poland. He’s playing in Girona. So, you know those West African teams,” Mosimane said.
“But if our Sundowns and Pirates players could show that they are Champions, I think it’s encouraging.”
That experience could prove valuable as Bafana look to make a positive start to their qualifying campaign.
Tshepang Moremi replaces injured Lebohang Maboe
There has been one late change to the squad, with Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi called up to replace the injured Lebohang Maboe.
Moremi now has an opportunity to make an impact as Mosimane prepares his team for a difficult opening assignment.
Bafana Bafana qualified for the previous two AFCON tournaments and will be expected to challenge for qualification again.
But Guinea have already shown they can make life difficult for South Africa.
Mosimane’s message is clear: Bafana Bafana have studied their opponents, understand the threats and believe they have enough quality to get the job done.
Kick-off is at 18:00.
Prediction
Bafana Bafana 2-0 Guinea
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