Bafana Bafana overcome Guinea to open AFCON 2027 qualifying with a win

South Africa opened its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2–1 victory over Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Saturday, 26 September 2026. The result gave Bafana Bafana three points and, according to SABC News, moved them to the top of Group D after Kenya and Eritrea drew 1–1 in Nairobi. (sabcnews.com)

The match was also Pitso Mosimane’s first game in charge since returning as South Africa’s coach. CAF had identified the fixture as one of the key opening matches in Group D, a section that carries added pressure because Kenya, one of the 2027 tournament’s co-hosts, is already guaranteed a place at the finals. Under the qualifying structure, the highest-placed team other than Kenya in the group will qualify. (cafonline.com)

South Africa respond after Guinea equaliser

Guinea created the first clear opportunity, but South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stopped Aliou Balde’s effort. Bafana then threatened after a defensive mistake by the visitors, although Relebohile Mofokeng could not convert the chance. (sabcnews.com)

South Africa took the lead when defender Ime Okon scored at the near post from a corner. Guinea levelled in the second half through Seydouba Cisse, who finished from close range. The decisive goal came with 15 minutes remaining, when substitute Samukele Kabini scored from close range to secure the home win. (sabcnews.com)

Why the result matters

The victory gives South Africa an early advantage in a group where the qualifying margin is narrower than usual. Kenya’s automatic qualification means South Africa and Guinea are competing for the principal qualifying position, while Eritrea remains part of the same four-team section. CAF’s published schedule lists six matchdays in the group-stage qualifying campaign. (cafonline.com)

For Mosimane, the result provides a positive start to his latest spell with Bafana Bafana. CAF previously reported that he had included five uncapped players in his squad for the opening qualifiers, although the available match report does not establish which of them appeared against Guinea. (cafonline.com)

Next fixture

South Africa’s next qualifier is against Eritrea in Cairo on 30 September 2026. Guinea is scheduled to host Kenya in Conakry on 1 October. Those fixtures will provide the next update to a Group D race that has begun with South Africa holding the early initiative. (cafonline.com)

The available evidence confirms the scoreline, scorers, venue, group position reported by SABC News and the next scheduled fixtures. It does not establish the full match statistics, attendance, disciplinary record or final detailed standings beyond the information reported above.

Africa & Beyond — News | Analysis | Perspective