Due to Kenya’s presence in the Group D of the AFCON qualifiers, the South Africa – Guinea game was huge. Harambee Stars are among hosts so only one team from this group will be going to the Africa’s biggest competition. And straight in the first round, we had a ’derby’ between Bafana Bafana and Syli National which put Pitso Mosimane under huge pressure. Mosimane took over South Africa (for the third time) after Hugo Broos’ retirement but his players neerly blew up their chances of winning the most important game. Although Bafana Bafana dominated, Guniea managed to equalize from their only second shot on target. But this time, the hosts were saved by the ’football gods’ and weren’t punished for their missed chances: South Africa – Guniea 2-1.Kabini Hands Bafana Bafana Winning Start✅️ Kabini's 1st International Goal✅️Mbuthuma With 1st Bafana Goal Contribution ✅️Pitso Mosimane's Side Will Face Eritrea In Egypt On Wednesday Result: 🇿🇦 South Africa 2-1 Guinea 🇬🇳 ⚽️ Ime Okon🅰️ Sphephelo Sithole ⚽️… pic.twitter.com/iimQrdQO9S— Austin Ditlhobolo (@A_B_Ditlhobolo) September 26, 2026 Syli National played badly but had their issues before the game. Head coach Duarte faced the refusal of Naby Keita to join the squad, while Mohamed Mady Camara, Cheick Oumar Conde, Dembo Sylla, Morgan Guilavogui, Issiaga Sylla and Mohamed Bayo were all absent. With only Guirassy at the front, the guests didn’t have much chances but used one out of only two. In the end, Kabini was the super sub who brought a victory and three points for South Africa.Goal l 🇿🇦 South Africa 1-0 Guinea 🇬🇳 l Ime Okon pic.twitter.com/Feu38egqz3— Goals Highlights (@GoalsHighlight_) September 26, 2026 When the first half finished, the home crowd was stunned why the score was only 1-0. Bafana Bafana totally dominated the game, but what is worse, missed good chances. The biggest one was in the ninth minute, when shakey Guinea defenders practically gave the ball away to Mofokeng near the penalty area. The Royale Union Saint-Gilloise winger only had to score but somehow managed to miss the entire goal. Mofokeng started the move in the 44th minute, and then nearly finished it a few passes later as Sebelebele squared from the right, but couldn’t get a clear foot on that. Bafana Bafana had another great opportunity in the sixth minute, but Guinea’s Keita blocked the shot which looked destined for goal. South Africa got the goal after half and hour when Sithole diverted the ball to Okon, who scored in Guinea keeper’s closer angle. Syli National played a really bad half and their only chance came near the end of time, when Guirassy’s free kick ended inches from the post.Goal l 🇿🇦 South Africa 1-1 Guinea 🇬🇳 l Seydouba Cisse pic.twitter.com/WqcoNsWDyM— Goals Highlights (@GoalsHighlight_) September 26, 2026 Probably everbody at the stadijum expected a quick goal to ’kill’ the game, but no such thing happened. The hosts were simply unable to create a proper chance and in the 69th minute a punishment arrived. It was a free kick for Guinea and the ball bounced to Seydouba Cisse who was onside and shocked the staduim. But South Africa pushed again and Kabini came to the rescue. Appollis started the move and a beautiful one-touch ball in behind from Mbuthuma sent Kabini on his way to a great finish and a much needed victory.2027 AFCON QUALIFIERSRound 1SaturdayKenya – Eritrea 1-1 (0-1)/Ogam 87 – Girmai 36/S.Africa – Guinea 2-1 (1-0)/Okon 30, Kabini 77 – Cisse 69/