Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying: Pitso Mosimane responds to Paulo Duarte’s praise

Pitso Mosimane has welcomed Paulo Duarte’s assessment that South Africa are among the three strongest teams in African football, while insisting the Bafana Bafana still have plenty to prove.

Duarte made the claim after Guinea were beaten 2-1 by South Africa at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, in the opening match of the Bafana Bafana’s Group D qualifying campaign for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.

The Guinea manager placed South Africa alongside Morocco and Senegal, whom he described as the continent’s leading sides.

“For me, the three best teams on the continent are Morocco, Senegal and South Africa,” Duarte told reporters during his post-match news conference.

Mosimane, beginning his second spell in charge of South Africa, said he appreciated the recognition but was cautious about what it represented.

“If that is his analysis, it is humbling,” Mosimane said.

“We won the bronze medal [at the Africa Cup of Nations 2023], so maybe that is why, yes. But we still have a long way to go. We are a good team, we played well, but we are still building.”

South Africa made an ideal start to their qualification campaign by securing victory in Mosimane’s first competitive match since returning to the national team.

The hosts took the lead before half-time when Germany-based defender Ime Okon found the net. Guinea responded after the interval, with Seydouba Cisse scoring to bring the match level.

South Africa regained control through substitute Samukelo Kabini, who restored their advantage in the 77th minute.

That goal settled the contest and gave Mosimane a winning return in his first official fixture back in charge, although the coach stressed that the team remained a work in progress despite Duarte’s high ranking.