South Africa began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.
Ime Okon put Bafana Bafana ahead in the 30th minute after reacting quickest to a rebound following Teboho Mokoena’s corner.
Guinea had started brightly, with Aliou Balde forcing Ronwen Williams into an early save, while South Africa missed opportunities through Relebohile Mofokeng and several other attackers before taking the lead.
The visitors drew level in the 69th minute when Seydouba Cisse pounced on the rebound after Serhou Guirassy’s free-kick struck the South African wall.
South Africa, however, restored their advantage eight minutes later.
Substitute Yanela Mbuthuma set up fellow substitute Samukelo Kabini, who raced into the box before calmly finishing with his left foot.
Guinea pushed for another equaliser late in the match, but Guirassy fired over in the 88th minute as South Africa held on for the three points.
The victory also gave Pitso Mosimane a winning start in his second spell as South Africa’s permanent head coach.
South Africa will next face Eritrea in Cairo on Wednesday, while Guinea will host Kenya on Thursday.
