South Africa kicked off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea, handing coach Pitso Mosimane a winning start to his second stint in charge. The match took place in Soweto, with defenders Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini scoring their first goals for the national team. Okon, a Nigerian-born centre-back who plays for German club Hannover, gave South Africa the lead in the 30th minute.
Okon's goal was a result of his quick reaction to a loose ball inside the Guinea penalty area, which he hammered into the net from close range. Despite this, Guinea remained a threat, particularly through winger Aliou Balde, whose pace and footwork caused problems for the South African defence. The match had been highly anticipated, with much attention focused on Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy, but Balde emerged as the more influential attacking threat.
Guinea eventually drew level in the 69th minute after South Africa failed to deal properly with a free-kick. Seydouba Cisse reacted quickest when the ball fell loose in the area and fired past South African captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to make it 1-1. The equaliser gave Guinea renewed confidence and put pressure on the hosts, who had to respond quickly to avoid dropping points in their opening qualifying fixture.
South Africa regained the lead just eight minutes later through full-back Samukele Kabini, who had been introduced as a second-half substitute for Aubrey Modiba. Kabini made an immediate impact, racing through the Guinea defence before beating goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla at his near post. The goal, Kabini's first for South Africa, restored the hosts' advantage and ultimately proved decisive as Mosimane's side held on for the victory.
The result marked a positive beginning for Mosimane, who has returned to permanent charge of South Africa after previously enjoying successful spells in club football. Mosimane, a three-time CAF Champions League-winning coach with Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, has taken over a South African team that has developed a reputation for retaining possession but has also faced criticism over its lack of clinical finishing.
The victory moved South Africa to the top of Group D after the other match in the group ended in a draw between Kenya and Eritrea. Eritrea took the lead in Nairobi through Nahom Girmai, but Kenya rescued a point when Ryan Ogam equalised in the 87th minute. Kenya are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the tournament's co-hosts, alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
South Africa were among the African nations that qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and became the fifth of the continent's 10 World Cup representatives to begin their AFCON qualifying campaign with a victory. Other African nations, including Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, and Morocco, also recorded wins, while Egypt, Senegal, and Tunisia opened with draws.
Key points
- Ime Okon, a Nigerian-born defender, scored the opening goal for South Africa.
- Samukele Kabini scored the decisive goal for South Africa in the 77th minute.
- The win puts South Africa at the top of Group D in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
