Samukele Kabini, a Norway-based left-back plying his trade with Molde, scored his first international goal in the 77th minute to secure South Africa a 2-1 victory over Guinea in their opening TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifier at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.

The win gave returning head coach Pitso Mosimane — beginning his third stint at the helm of Bafana Bafana — a perfect start, and it placed South Africa two points clear at the top of Group D.

Why this result matters so much

With co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda already guaranteed spots at the tournament, only the highest-finishing side among the remaining three in Group D will earn a place at the finals. That makes South Africa's defeat of Guinea — one of their primary rivals for that single available berth — immediately significant.

Eritrea's 1-1 draw with Kenya in Nairobi on the same evening underlined the stakes further. Nahom Girmai Netabay had put Eritrea ahead in the first half, capitalising on hesitant Kenyan defending, before Ryan Ogam levelled for Kenya with just three minutes remaining, denying Eritrea what would have been a memorable away win. Coach Benni McCarthy's side were made to work hard before restoring parity.

How South Africa claimed their victory

Bafana Bafana were forced to earn their three points against a Guinea side that created genuine chances throughout. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made an early smart save to deny Aliou Balde, while Relebohile Mofokeng wasted a clear opening at the other end in the ninth minute.

South Africa broke the deadlock on 30 minutes when defender Ime Okon drilled the ball in off the near post, following up after his initial header struck teammate Yaya Sithole and fell into his path.

Guinea hit back through Seydouba Cisse, who reacted first to Serhou Guirassy's free-kick after it struck the South African defensive wall, collecting the loose ball and firing past Williams to level the scores.

With a draw looming as a valuable away result for the visitors, South Africa restored their lead in the 77th minute through a well-worked combination between two substitutes. Striker Yanela Mbuthuma played Kabini in behind the Guinea defence, and the Molde man — on the pitch after Aubrey Modiba was forced off injured — showed composed finishing to slot the ball low past goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla.

What comes next

South Africa sit top of Group D with three points, while Kenya and Eritrea share second place on one point each. Guinea are yet to score a point in the group.

Bafana Bafana now travel to Cairo, where they face Eritrea at a neutral venue on Wednesday, 30 September, seeking to extend their lead. Guinea host Kenya the following day in another match that could prove decisive in the race for the group's sole qualification spot.