Mosimane begins second Bafana Bafana spell with victory over Guinea

Pitso Mosimane marked his return as Bafana Bafana head coach with a 2-1 win against Guinea in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.

South Africa started strongly on home soil and took a deserved first-half lead, but Guinea improved after the interval and posed a sustained threat. The hosts responded under pressure, regained their advantage and held on for a valuable victory.

Bafana controlled much of the opening half, with Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Thapelo Maseko regularly unsettling the Guinea defence through their movement and attacking intent.

Mofokeng was handed an early chance after a defensive error put him through one-on-one with Guinea goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla, but Sylla stood up well to make the save.

Guinea gradually settled into the match, with Aliou Balde emerging as their main outlet on the left. South Africa’s pressure nevertheless eventually brought a breakthrough in the 30th minute.

A short corner created the opening, with the delivery reaching Ime Okon at the far post. Sylla stopped the defender’s first header, but Okon reacted quickest to the rebound and finished from close range.

Bafana continued to threaten before half-time. Maseko was released into space but his effort travelled across the face of goal, while Teboho Mokoena forced Sylla into another save with a powerful shot from distance.

Guinea returned for the second half with greater purpose and enjoyed more possession. Balde remained a constant danger and came close to creating an equaliser when his cross found Karim Traore around the hour mark, although the forward headed wide.

The visitors continued to press, with Serhou Guirassy also going close as Guinea searched for a way back into the game.

Their pressure finally told in the 67th minute when Seydoubba Cisse levelled. South Africa immediately appealed for an offside decision, but the equaliser stood.

The goal briefly shifted the momentum, yet Bafana responded quickly. Substitute Samukelo Kabini restored the home side’s lead in the 75th minute with a composed finish.

Guinea pushed for a second equaliser during the closing stages, but South Africa’s defence resisted. Ronwen Williams made important saves to preserve the advantage, while the hosts held firm to give Mosimane a winning beginning to his second spell in charge of Bafana Bafana.