Pitso Mosimane believes Bafana Bafana have the quality and experience required to make a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign when they face Guinea on Saturday.
South Africa will welcome Guinea to Orlando Stadium on 26 September, with the two nations beginning their Group D campaigns in what promises to be a competitive encounter.
Bafana enter the match ranked 54th in the FIFA world rankings, while Guinea are ranked 81st. However, Mosimane knows the difference in ranking will have little significance once the teams meet on the pitch.
The two nations have faced each other three times previously, with South Africa recording one win, one draw and one defeat.
Mosimane identifies Guinea’s main threat
While confident in his team’s ability, Mosimane is well aware of the danger posed by Guinea’s attack.
The Bafana coach highlighted the physical presence of Guinea’s leading striker, particularly his aerial ability, as an area South Africa will need to manage carefully.
“Guinea, they have a top striker who plays for Borussia Dortmund, he’s a top striker, top number nine big boy so we have to make sure that we deal with his aerial strength,” Mosimane said.
The Guinean squad also contains several players with experience of playing in European leagues, something Mosimane believes adds another dimension to the challenge facing Bafana.
Sundowns and Pirates experience could prove valuable
Mosimane has also pointed to the experience of players from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates as a potential advantage for his team.
Both clubs have regularly competed in high-pressure domestic and continental matches, giving their players exposure to demanding encounters at club level.
The Bafana coach believes that experience can help his squad deal with the intensity of an AFCON qualifier.
He also highlighted the international exposure of players within the South African squad, stressing the importance of his players showing the same level of quality they display for their clubs.
Moremi called up after Maboe injury
Bafana have been forced into one late squad change ahead of the qualifier.
Orlando Pirates winger Tshepang Moremi has been brought into the squad after Lebohang Maboe was ruled out through injury.
Moremi will now be part of Mosimane’s plans as South Africa prepare for their opening Group D fixture.
Bafana have qualified for the previous two AFCON tournaments and will be looking to begin their latest qualification campaign on a positive note.
Bafana face an important opening test
Guinea will provide an early examination of South Africa’s ambitions in the qualifying campaign.
Mosimane’s side will need to combine its experience with discipline against a physically strong opponent capable of causing problems in attack.
With home advantage at Orlando Stadium, Bafana will be aiming to turn their preparation and confidence into a positive result.
Bafana Bafana vs Guinea
Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Kick-off: 18:00
Competition: 2027 AFCON Qualifier
