AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Guinea boss Duarte expects Mosimane’s South Africa to bring ‘different decisions’

Guinea head coach Paulo Duarte expects South Africa to look different under new boss Pitso Mosimane when the two sides meet in their opening match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month.

Guinea travel to face Bafana Bafana on 26 September in what will be Mosimane’s first game since returning as South Africa coach.

The qualifier will now be played at Orlando Stadium in Soweto after the South African Football Association (Safa) confirmed a change of venue from the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.

Duarte believes Mosimane’s arrival will bring fresh ideas and personnel changes, even if South Africa retain elements of their previous approach.

“We’re going to have a tough opponent who’s just come off a World Cup, an opponent who’s also changed coaches,” Duarte told Guineenews.

“Pitso Mosimane has just been appointed coach of South Africa. Some decisions will be different, some players will be different.

“Perhaps the game plan will be the same, but there will certainly be changes.”

The Guinea coach also highlighted the challenge posed by their second Group D fixture against co-hosts Kenya, but insisted his side will be equally difficult opponents.

“We cannot forget that Guinea will be a very difficult opponent for South Africa and Kenya,” he added.

South Africa begin their qualifying campaign looking to build momentum under Mosimane, who has returned to lead the national team after guiding clubs across Africa and the Middle East to major honours, including the CAF Champions League with Al Ahly.