AFCON 2027 qualifiers: South Africa beat Guinea and go top of Group D

A hard-fought victory

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AFCON 2027 qualifiers: South Africa beat Guinea and go top of Group D

26.09.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

South Africa

Guinea

South Africa made a successful start to their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign. The Bafana Bafana beat Guinea (2-1) on Saturday, 26 September, in Johannesburg, on the opening matchday of Group D, thanks to a goal from Samukele Kabini 13 minutes from time.

South Africa quickly took control of the match and eventually turned their dominance into a goal in the 30th minute. Ime Okon opened the scoring for the Bafana Bafana following a set-piece routine. The side managed by Pitso Mosimane held on to their advantage until half-time.

After the break, Guinea pushed harder in search of an equaliser. The Syli National's efforts were rewarded in the 69th minute. Seydouba Cissé brought the two teams level, completely opening up the match again.

Kabini gives the Bafana Bafana all three points

South Africa did not take long to regain the lead. Introduced during the match, Samukele Kabini scored the 2-1 goal in the 77th minute for his first international goal. The South African defender capitalised on Yanela Mbuthuma's work to put the Bafana Bafana definitively ahead. Guinea were then unable to get back on level terms.

With this victory, South Africa therefore begin their campaign with three points. Pitso Mosimane, back on the national team's bench, also secured a win in his first match of this new spell in charge of the Bafana Bafana.

South Africa go top of Group D

In the other Group D match, Kenya and Eritrea drew 1-1. Girmai had given Eritrea the lead before Ryan Ogam equalised in the 87th minute. Kenya and Eritrea therefore have one point each, while Guinea remain without a point after the opening matchday.

Kenya have a special status in this group as they are automatically qualified for AFCON 2027 as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda. Only one other team from Group D will therefore secure a place in the final tournament.

Next fixture against Eritrea

South Africa will next face Eritrea on 30 September. The match will be played in Cairo at a neutral venue. Guinea, for their part, will face Kenya on 1 October.

This victory allows the Bafana Bafana to immediately take command of the group with three points, ahead of their second fixture in these qualifiers.