Mosimane begins second Bafana Bafana spell with Guinea victory

Pitso Mosimane’s return as South Africa manager began with a 2-1 victory over Guinea, with defenders Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini scoring the goals that sent Bafana Bafana top of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group D.

Okon opened the scoring after 31 minutes at Orlando Stadium, while Kabini struck late to secure three points after Guinea had equalised through Seydouba Cisse. South Africa can take control of the group on Wednesday if they beat Eritrea in Egypt. Eritrea drew 1-1 with Afcon co-hosts Kenya in the other Group D match.

Mosimane made three changes from Hugo Broos’s final match in charge, the 2026 Fifa World Cup defeat by Canada in Los Angeles. Olwethu Makhanya and Kamogelo Sebelebele came into defence, while Iqraam Rayners replaced Evidence Makgopa in attack, with the absent players affected by injuries or fitness concerns.

Ronwen Williams retained the captaincy and his place in goal, behind a back four of Aubrey Modiba, Selebelebele, Makhanya and Okon. Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole formed the holding midfield partnership, while Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko and Relebohile Mofokeng supported Rayners, who started ahead of Cassius Mailula, Yanela Mbuthuma and Luther Singh.

South Africa controlled the opening stages, with Maseko, Appollis, Mofokeng and Rayners putting pressure on Guinea’s defence. Mokoena and Sithole also dominated the midfield battle against Lancinet Kourouma and Seydouba Cisse, prompting an animated response from Guinea manager Paulo Duarte.

Guinea created the first clear chance after nine minutes, but Williams denied Aliou Balde after the forward had beaten Modiba inside the South African penalty area. Mofokeng then missed an opportunity from close range after Guinea failed to clear, before Okon finished into an unguarded net when the visitors could not deal with a corner.

South Africa continued to threaten, although Maseko missed another chance after a pass from midfield split the Guinea defence six minutes after the opener.

Modiba was forced off after 55 minutes after appearing to struggle, with Kabini taking his place. The substitute later proved decisive.

In the 68th minute, Orlando Pirates striker Mbuthuma came on to a warm reception from the Orlando Stadium crowd after facing sustained criticism from supporters. He soon contributed at both ends, but Guinea levelled when Cisse reacted quickest from a free-kick that South Africa failed to defend properly.

Bafana Bafana responded immediately. Mbuthuma supplied Kabini, who calmly beat the advancing Soumalia Sylla to restore the lead. South Africa held on to claim only their second win of the year.

Their other victory came against South Korea in Monterrey during the World Cup, a result that helped them reach the knockout stages. They had also lost to Cameroon at Afcon in Morocco in January, as well as Mexico and Canada, and drawn with Czechia at the World Cup.