Pitso Mosimane began his second stint as Bafana Bafana head coach with a winning start as South Africa beat Guinea 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium.
Ime Okon opened the scoring for Bafana Bafana before Guinea hit back through Seydouba Cisse in the 67th minute. Substitute Samukelo Kabini then scored with 12 minutes remaining to secure all three points for South Africa.
Mosimane’s men started the match with intent and created several opportunities to take the lead. Relebohile Mofokeng came close after capitalising on a mistake at the back from Guinea, but the youngster fired his effort wide.
South Africa eventually found the breakthrough after forcing a corner. Okon rose at the near post and directed his effort into the net to give Bafana the lead.
Bafana continued to create chances but were let down by their finishing and decision-making in the final third.
Bafana edge Guinea
Guinea grew into the match after the break and began to take control. Their pressure eventually paid off when they won a free-kick and went direct. The ball ricocheted off a Bafana player before falling kindly for Cisse, who made no mistake with his finish past Ronwen Williams.
Mosimane responded with changes, including bringing on Kabini for Aubrey Modiba.
The substitution paid off as Kabini restored Bafana’s lead around 10 minutes later, finding the back of the net to put South Africa back in front.
Bafana held on in the closing stages as Guinea kept coming, to claim a valuable three points and give Mosimane a winning start to his return as national team coach.
South Africa will next face Eritrea in their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.