Kabini Goal Hands Bafana Bafana Win Over Guinea

Substitute Samukele Kabini struck a 77th-minute winner to secure his first international goal and hand South Africa a 2-1 victory over Guinea in Soweto on Saturday.

The Group D fixture marked a successful start to South Africa’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign under returning head coach Pitso Mosimane.

Defender Ime Okon put the hosts ahead on the half-hour mark with a powerful strike off the near post before Seydouba Cissé pounced on a loose rebound from a blocked free-kick to equalise for Guinea.

Late in the second half, substitute Yanela Mbuthuma slid a pass through the visitors’ defence to set up Kabini, who finished low past the goalkeeper to seal the win.

In the group’s other match, Eritrea held co-hosts Kenya to a 1-1 draw in Nairobi.

Nahom Girmai capitalised on poor defending to put Eritrea ahead before Ryan Ogam levelled for Kenya three minutes from time.

South Africa next faces Eritrea in Cairo on Wednesday, while Guinea hosts Kenya on Thursday.