Mosimane marks Bafana return with winning start over Guinea

Pitso Mosimane began his second spell as Bafana Bafana coach with a victory as South Africa opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Guinea in Group D at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

Ime Okon and Samukelo Kabini scored for the hosts, with Seydouba Cisse replying for Syli National.

Guinea started the brighter side and forced Ronwen Williams into a sharp save from Aliou Balde in the seventh minute, but Bafana soon took control.

Relebohile Mofokeng missed a golden chance in the 12th minute after a defensive error, dragging wide with only Soumaila Sylla to beat.

The breakthrough came on the half-hour when Teboho Mokoena’s in-swinging delivery from a short corner caused chaos and Okon drove home the rebound for 1-0.

South Africa pushed for a second through Aubrey Modiba and Mokoena, while Serhou Guirassy fired a free-kick just over before the break.

Guinea levelled controversially in the 69th minute when Guirassy’s free-kick hit the wall and fell to Cisse to tap in from close range, though replays later suggested it may have been offside.

Bafana responded eight minutes later as substitutes combined. Yanela Mbuthuma teeing up Kabini to sweep home the winner. Guirassy blazed a late chance over as Mosimane’s men held on.