Reviewed by Shihaam IsaacsSouth Africa sports betting writer
Published 27 September 2026
South Africa beat Guinea by two goals to one at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on 26 September and lead Group D of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations after matchday one. It was Pitso Mosimane’s first match in charge since he replaced Hugo Broos.
Ime Okon gave South Africa the lead in the first half. Seydouba Cisse equalised for Guinea in the second half, and Samukele Kabini restored the lead when Yanela Mbuthuma laid the ball into his path and he put it past Sylla in the Guinea goal.
Mosimane’s first match back in charge
Mosimane took over from Broos, whose last match in charge of Bafana Bafana was against Canada at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The win in Soweto opened South Africa’s qualifying campaign.
After the match, Guinea’s coach Paulo Duarte named South Africa alongside Morocco and Senegal as the three best teams on the continent.
How Group D stands after matchday one
Kenya and Eritrea drew one goal each at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi in the group’s other opening match. Eritrea led from the first half until Ryan Ogam equalised late for Kenya, who are coached by Benni McCarthy. CAF’s table after matchday one has South Africa on three points, Kenya and Eritrea on one point each and Guinea on none.
Kenya already have a place at the finals as one of the host nations of the 2027 tournament. Only the highest placed side among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea will join them there.
What comes next
South Africa’s next match is against Eritrea in Cairo on 30 September. Guinea play Kenya on 1 October, the second round of the group for both sides.
