By Thebe Mabanga
Bafana bafana coach Pitso Mosimane got the 2027 African Cup of Nation campaign off to a winnings with a 2-1 win against in a gutsy but nervous performance at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
Bafana dominated possession and had 15 shots on goal, with five on target compared to six for Guinea, and two on target.
Bafana started both halves in a tense mood and allowed Guinea to play from the back. Bafana took the lead through Ime Okon in the 30th minute from a well taken corner.
Guinea got their equaliser through Seydouba Cisse in the 68th minute following sustained pressure in the second half. Bafana got their winner in the 77th minute when substitute Yanela Mbuthuma paid a pass for fellow substitute Samkele Kabini who slotted in expertly from the left.
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Mosimane managed the game with a triple substitution in the 82nd minute to secure the result. Mosimane praised Gusine and singled
Lancinet “Lass” Kourouma. for praise. Mosimane noted South Africa’s limitation of not being able to convert more chances and argued that higher quality opposition will punish Bafana.
On South Africa’s side the coach expressed excitement for Glasgow Rangers Olwethu Makhanya, who did well alongside Okon in the heart of defence and snuffed out the treat of Guinea star Sehrou Giurassy. Another notable performance was Kamogelo Sebelebele, who stood up to Alou Balde.
South Africa top the group D standings after Kenya and Eritrea drew 1-1 in Nairobi. Kenya, as co-hosts of next year’s tournament, are automatic qualifiers irrespective of where they finish meaning only one team qualifies.
Bafana next play Eritrea in Cairo on Wednesday.
