Mosimane starts with victory as South Africa edge Guinea in Afcon qualifier

Pitso Mosimane began his return as South Africa coach with a 2-1 win over Guinea at Orlando Stadium, with defenders Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini scoring the goals that sent Bafana top of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group D.

The result gives South Africa three points and puts them in position to take control of the group on Wednesday if they win in Egypt against Eritrea. Eritrea drew 1-1 with Africa Cup of Nations co-hosts Kenya in the other Group D fixture.

Okon opened the scoring after 31 minutes, finishing from close range after Guinea failed to clear a corner. Seydouba Cisse equalised in the 68th minute, but Kabini restored South Africa’s lead soon afterwards when he placed the ball beyond advancing goalkeeper Soumalia Sylla.

It was a composed team performance in front of a lively Orlando Stadium crowd, although the match was South Africa’s second victory of the year. They had lost to Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco in January, as well as Mexico and Canada, and drew with Czechia at the 2026 Fifa World Cup. Their other win came against South Korea in Monterrey, a result that helped them reach the World Cup knockout stages.

Mosimane made three changes to the team that started Hugo Broos’s final match in charge, a heartbreaking World Cup defeat by Canada in Los Angeles. Olwethu Makhanya, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Iqraam Rayners came into the side, replacing injured Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khuliso Mudau and Evidence Makgopa.

Ronwen Williams retained his place in goal and as captain, while Aubrey Modiba, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Makhanya and Okon formed a flat back four. Sebelebele was tested early by Guinea forward Aliou Balde but recovered to produce a solid performance at right-back.

Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole controlled the midfield battle against Lancinet Kourouma and Seydouba Cisse, prompting an animated response from Guinea coach Paulo Duarte. South Africa’s attacking line consisted of Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng and lone striker Rayners.

Maseko and Appollis operated on the wings, with Mofokeng playing behind Rayners. Despite being closely watched by Ousmane Diakite, Mofokeng won most of their duels and helped South Africa make the quicker start.

Maseko, Appollis, Mofokeng and Rayners repeatedly challenged the Guinea defence of Saidou Sow and Aboubaker Keita, but found goalkeeper Sylla difficult to beat. Guinea’s first serious opportunity came after nine minutes, when Williams denied Balde after he had beaten Modiba inside the box.

Mofokeng then missed a clear chance from inside the area after Guinea failed to clear, while Maseko also squandered an opening after a midfield pass split the defence.

South Africa suffered a concern early in the second half when Modiba left the field after 55 minutes. Kabini replaced him and later became the match-winner.

There was a warm reception for Orlando Pirates striker Yanela Mbuthuma, who came on in the 68th minute after facing sustained criticism from supporters. The crowd sang his name, and he soon made a decisive contribution.

Mbuthuma was involved in defending a Guinea free-kick when South Africa failed to prevent Cisse from scoring from close range. But he then supplied Kabini, who finished to put Bafana back in front and secure a winning start to their Afcon campaign.