South Africa v Guinea: Williams and Guirassy headline probable Africa Cup of Nations qualifying line-ups

South Africa will begin their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign at home to Guinea in Group D on Saturday, 26 September 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00 GMT.

The Bafana Bafana are expected to rely on the experience of Ronwen Williams as they look to make a positive start to the qualification process. The goalkeeper is an established figure in the team and a leader in the dressing room, making him one of the key players in South Africa’s expected line-up.

South Africa’s probable team is set to feature a back four of Samukele Kabini, Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon and Kamogelo Sebelebele in front of Williams.

Sphephelo Sithole and Teboho Mokoena are likely to operate in midfield, with Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng and Puso Dithejane providing support further forward.

Yanela Mbuthuma is expected to lead the attack as South Africa seek to take advantage of home support in their opening Group D fixture.

South Africa probable XI

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams

Defenders: Samukele Kabini, Olwethu Makhanya, Ime Okon, Kamogelo Sebelebele

Midfielders: Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Puso Dithejane

Striker: Yanela Mbuthuma

Guinea will place much of their attacking responsibility on Serhou Guirassy, who is regarded as the leading star of the Syli National.

The forward is expected to be Guinea’s main threat against South Africa and their principal source of goals as they attempt to begin the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers with a strong result away from home.

Soumaila Sylla is the likely choice in goal, while Sekou Sylla, Mory Konate, Mohamed Soumah and Ibrahima Fofana are set to form the defence.

Ilaix Moriba, Ousmane Diabate, Aguibou Camara and Seydouba Cisse are expected to make up Guinea’s midfield.

Abdoul Traore is likely to partner Guirassy in attack, giving the visitors a two-man forward line for the opening match of their qualifying campaign.

Guinea probable XI

Goalkeeper: Soumaila Sylla

Defenders: Sekou Sylla, Mory Konate, Mohamed Soumah, Ibrahima Fofana

Midfielders: Ilaix Moriba, Ousmane Diabate, Aguibou Camara, Seydouba Cisse

Forwards: Abdoul Traore, Serhou Guirassy