Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini scored their first international goals to give South Africa a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The 2-1 victory over Guinea in Soweto on Saturday lifted Bafana Bafana to the top of Group D.
Hannover defender Okon opened the scoring on his competitive debut, pouncing on a loose ball from close range in the 30th minute. Guinea equalised through Seydouba Cisse midway through the second half, but substitute Kabini headed home the winner just eight minutes later.
The win marks a positive start to Pitso Mosimane’s third spell as head coach. He took over from the retired Hugo Broos after the World Cup. The three-time CAF Champions League winner now leads a team that sits second in their World Cup qualifying group with four points from three games. This recent form, which includes a win and a draw, provides a solid foundation for the new AFCON campaign.
South Africa’s next match is against Eritrea in Egypt on Wednesday. The team will aim to build on their current momentum and maintain their position at the top of the qualifying group.
Background and full detail: sports.yahoo.com
