Bafana begin Mosimane era in style as Okon and Kabini sink Guinea

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Bafana begin Mosimane era in style as Okon and Kabini sink Guinea
Ime Okon celebrates his goal for Bafana Bafana against Guinea. Image: SuperSport

South Africa secured a vital 2-1 victory against Guinea in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, thanks to goals from the unexpected duo of Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The win marks a positive start for coach Pitso Mosimane, who has returned for his third spell in charge of the national team. With co-hosts Kenya and Eritrea also in Group D, only one qualification spot is up for grabs, making this result against Bafana Bafana’s toughest rivals particularly significant.

While the performance was not flawless, South Africa created numerous opportunities and could have won by a larger margin. Guinea, however, also posed a threat throughout the match.

Missed opportunities from both sides

Thapelo Maseko celebrates with his Bafana teammates.
Thapelo Maseko celebrates with his Bafana teammates. Photo: SAFA

Early in the game, Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was called into action, making a sharp save to deny Aliou Balde’s powerful shot. South Africa then missed a golden opportunity in the ninth minute when Relebohile Mofokeng, after capitalising on a defensive error, fired wide with only the keeper to beat.

The home side’s persistence paid off on the half-hour mark. A deep cross was headed back into the danger zone by Ime Okon. After a fortunate deflection off teammate Yaya Sithole, the ball fell back to the Hannover 96 defender, who smashed it home off the near post for his second international goal.

Bafana Bafana complete the job

Bafana Bafana beat Guinea at Orlando Stadium.

Before halftime, Aubrey Modiba’s free-kick was saved, and Thapelo Maseko sent an angled shot just wide. Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy also came close with a free-kick that left Williams stranded, but South Africa held a deserved 1-0 lead at the break.

After the restart, Guinea found an equaliser. Guirassy’s free-kick hit the defensive wall, and the rebound fell to Seydouba Cisse, who turned and fired past Williams. Replays suggested a possible offside, but with no VAR in the qualifiers, the goal stood.

Bafana Bafana responded and reclaimed the lead in the 77th minute with a well-constructed goal. Yanela Mbuthuma threaded a pass through to Samukele Kabini, who had replaced the injured Modiba. The substitute left-back showed great composure, calmly slotting the ball into the net to seal a crucial win for his team.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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