Pitso Mosimane’s second stint in charge of Bafana Bafana got off to a winning start as South Africa claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Mosimane succeeded Hugo Broos at the Bafana Bafana helm, stepping in after the Belgian’s five-year tenure came to an end.
Determined to make a strong first impression on home soil, South Africa took control from the opening whistle, asserting themselves in attack against Guinea.
Bafana’s first clear-cut chance arrived inside the opening 10 minutes, but midfield sensation Relebohile Mofokeng dragged his effort wide in a one-on-one situation. The breakthrough finally arrived on the half-hour mark when defender Ime Okon turned home from close range to hand Mosimane’s men a deserved lead at the interval.
BAFANA BAFANA DIG DEEP TO DEFEAT GUINEA AT HOME
The second half began at a sluggish pace as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances. However, Guinea gradually found their rhythm, threatening through direct balls led by Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy.
South Africa’s momentum suffered a setback in the 57th minute when Aubrey Modiba was forced off with an injury, prompting Mosimane to introduce Samukele Kabini.
Guinea capitalised on their growing pressure in the 69th minute when Seydouba Cissé latched onto a set-piece inside the box, poking the ball past Ronwen Williams to draw the visitors level.
Refusing to settle for a point, Mosimane shuffled his tactical pack by introducing Yanela Mbuthuma for Iqraam Rayners to inject fresh energy upfront. The move paid immediate dividends in the 77th minute as Mbuthuma turned provider, setting up Kabini to slot home a left-footed strike and restore Bafana’s lead.
The 1996 AFCON champions comfortably absorbed Guinea’s late aerial assault through three minutes of stoppage time to lock in a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
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