Bafana Bafana Make Winning AFCON Qualifying Start Under Pitso Mosimane
Still enjoying the spirit of the Heritage Day holiday celebrated on Thursday, 24 September 2026, South African football fans had another reason to celebrate on Saturday, 26 September 2026, as Bafana Bafana secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea in their opening CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena.
The match marked the beginning of a new chapter under Pitso Mosimane, who returned to the national team setup earlier this month. Thousands of supporters turned up to welcome him back, creating an electric atmosphere as Bafana Bafana started their Group D campaign.
With confidence high among the home crowd, South Africa looked determined to make a positive statement from the opening whistle. The hosts enjoyed periods of dominance, moving the ball well and putting Guinea under pressure in search of an early breakthrough.
Their efforts paid off in the 30th minute when defender Ime Okon found the back of the net. The goal sparked celebrations around the stadium and gave Bafana a deserved 1-0 advantage heading into halftime.
Guinea, however, showed why they remain one of the continent’s competitive sides. The visitors returned from the break with greater intensity and forced South Africa to defend for long spells during the second half.
The pressure eventually resulted in an equaliser in the 69th minute when Seydouba Cisse finished clinically to level matters. His goal shifted momentum and set up a tense final period for both teams.
Instead of retreating, Bafana Bafana responded with courage and determination. The home side pushed forward in search of a winner, encouraged by the passionate support from the Orlando Stadium faithful.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 77th minute when Samkelo Kabini delivered the decisive moment of the match. His goal restored South Africa’s lead and reignited celebrations among supporters who had spent the afternoon backing their team.
The closing minutes tested Bafana Bafana’s resolve as Guinea launched several attacks in pursuit of another equaliser. South Africa remained disciplined at the back and successfully protected their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory gives Bafana Bafana a perfect start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying journey and places them at the top of Group D after the opening round of fixtures. With Kenya and Eritrea drawing 1-1, Mosimane’s men now shift their focus to their next qualifier against Eritrea in Cairo on 30 September, carrying momentum and confidence from a successful opening weekend that delighted football fans already in a celebratory mood after Thursday’s Heritage Day holiday.