Guinea begin Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying against South Africa

Guinea start their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign against South Africa on Saturday, with both sides meeting in Group D.

The match will kick off at 15:00 South Africa and France time, or 13:00 in Guinea (GMT), at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. No broadcaster has been announced in France, while the game is expected to be shown on RTG in Guinea.

Guinea missed the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 in Morocco and will be hoping to make a stronger start to their bid for a place at the next tournament.

The Syli National were eliminated in painful circumstances during the previous qualifying campaign. Almost two years ago, they lost 1-0 to Tanzania on 19 November 2024 in the final round of matches, a result that ended their hopes when a draw would have been enough to secure qualification.

The Federation Guineenne de Football (FGF) subsequently appealed to the Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF), challenging the selection of Tanzania player Muhamed Ibrahim Ame. The federation argued that he had worn a shirt number that was not included on the match sheet.

That appeal was rejected, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later dismissing Guinea’s case at the final stage of the process. Serhou Guirassy and his team-mates therefore begin their new qualifying campaign with the disappointment of that outcome still behind them.

Aguibou Camara could feature in midfield after being recalled following 18 months out of the national-team set-up. The Ludogorets midfielder is competing with Morlaye Sylla for a place in the side.

Guinea have played South Africa three times since 2006 and have yet to lose to the Bafana Bafana. Their record consists of two victories and one draw: a 2-0 win at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations, a 1-0 friendly victory in September 2008, and a goalless draw in March 2022.

That record should nevertheless be treated cautiously. Guinea have not faced South Africa since the latter’s return to prominence in African football. The Bafana Bafana finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and recently reached the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup.

Saturday’s fixture will provide the first meeting between the teams in that more recent period of South Africa’s revival, as Guinea attempt to put their previous qualifying disappointment behind them.