Pitso Mosimane leads out South Africa for the third time – and second as permanent manager – against Guinea on Saturday, as Bafana Bafana aim to start 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on a positive note.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsThe former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly manager returns to the national team following Hugo Broos’s retirement, with the goal of navigating a challenging Group D, where they are competing for one slot due to the presence of Kenya – co-hosts of AFCON 2027 – in the group.##NAJAVA_MECA_9984853##Guinea, who missed AFCON 2025, hope to return to the continental showpiece for the upcoming tournament.However, Syli National’s preparations have been hampered by challenges regarding travel documents for their trip to Orlando Stadium, while a few key players have declined invites to the squad.With Paulo Duarte’s side winless in their last four matches, South Africa head into Johannesburg as firm favourites to secure maximum points.Kick-off: 4:00 PM (Kenyan time), Saturday 26 SeptemberVenue: Orlando Stadium, JohannesburgGroup: Group D (AFCON 2027 Qualifiers)Current standings: 0 points (Gameweek 1)Uganda head coach impressed despite missing U20 AFCON qualificationQualification implications: Only one qualifying spot is available from Group D due to Kenya automatically qualifying as co-hosts.Form GuideSouth Africa❌ Loss vs Canada (0-1)✅ Win vs South Korea (1-0)➖ Draw vs Czechia (1-1)❌ Loss vs Mexico (0-2)➖ Draw vs Jamaica (1-1)Guinea❌ Loss vs Northern Ireland (0-1)❌ Loss vs Benin (0-1)➖ Draw vs Togo (2-2)➖ Draw vs Niger (1-1)✅ Win vs Liberia (2-0)Head-to-Head (Last Meetings)South Africa 2-1 Guinea (11 Aug 2025 – African Nations Championship)South Africa 0-0 Guinea (25 Mar 2022 – Friendly)South Africa 0-2 Guinea (22 Jan 2006 – AFCON)##NAJAVA_MECA_9985188##Team NewsSouth Africa❌ Lyle Foster – Excluded from the final squad.❌ Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Missing/Out.🟢 Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, and Relebohile Mofokeng – All available and expected to start.Guinea❌ Naby Keita – Refused squad invitation.❌ Mohamed Mady Camara, Cheick Oumar Conde, Dembo Sylla, Morgan Guilavogui, Issiaga Sylla, Mohamed Bayo – All absent.🟢 Serhou Guirassy and Ilaix Moriba – Available and in the squad.AFCON2027Q: Ivory Coast clinch statement win in derby against Black StarsPlayer to Watch: Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)Serhou Guirassy headlines Guinea's squad and will serve as their primary focal point in attack.The 30-year-old Borussia Dortmund forward possesses clinical finishing skills and a powerful aerial presence that can destabilize any defense.With Guinea missing several key midfield and defensive starters, Guirassy’s ability to convert limited opportunities will be crucial. If South Africa's backline fails to track his movement in the box, he has the quality to turn the match in Syli National's favor.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)South Africa or Draw (Double Chance)🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Both Teams to Score – Yes🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)South Africa to Win 2-1Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.