Pitso Mosimane Warns Bafana Bafana After Guinea Win As Injury Concern Emerges

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane has welcomed his side’s 2-1 victory over Guinea but cautioned that the win is only the beginning of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. South Africa secured three points at Orlando Stadium yesterday after goals from Ime Okon and Samukelo Kabini.

Bafana created several opportunities during a dominant first half but were unable to convert enough of their chances. Okon eventually broke the deadlock before Guinea’s Seydouba Cisse levelled the score in the 69th minute.

Kabini then restored South Africa’s advantage seven minutes later to secure the opening Group D victory. The result gives Bafana an important start, although Mosimane said the team must improve in front of goal.

Pitso Mosimane Praises Guinea After Bafana Bafana Win

Pitso Mosimane also acknowledged the quality of the Guinea side, despite their absence from the previous AFCON tournament. He said the visitors made the match difficult and highlighted the threat posed by their wide players.

“I think we have to give some respect to Guinea because they made it difficult and played well despite not being in the AFCON last time out. It will be a very interesting game between Guinea and Kenya because they're a quality side with their tricky wingers, but Sebelebele was there to match Balde who was causing problems in the first half.”

Mosimane also credited Ime Okon and Makhanya for their work against Guinea’s number nine. He praised Mbuthuma for providing the assist for Kabini’s winning goal and said Iqraam Rayners also performed well despite not getting the opportunities he wanted.

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“I thought Okon and Makhanya worked well together to handle their number nine as well. I'm also happy for Mbuthuma who got the assist for Kabini's goal. Iqraam Rayners was also good it's just that the ball didn't fall for him.”

Bafana Bafana Finishing Remains A Concern

Despite securing victory, Bafana Bafana missed several clear opportunities during the opening half. Mosimane said the team needs to improve its finishing, identifying it as an issue that extends beyond the national side.

The coach also dismissed any suggestion that a brief conversation with Kabini shortly before his introduction influenced the defender’s decisive goal. Kabini was brought on after Aubrey Modiba was forced off with an injury.

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Mosimane was also pleased with Kamogelo Sebelebele’s performance, particularly his battle with Guinea winger Aliou Balde during the first half. The coach said Sebelebele helped contain the threat posed by the Guinea attacker.

Pitso Mosimane Confirms Aubrey Modiba Injury

Mosimane confirmed that Modiba was substituted because of a tight hamstring. The injury could leave the Bafana Bafana defender doubtful for Wednesday’s encounter against Eritrea.

South Africa will travel to face Eritrea after Kenya drew 1-1 with their opponents in Nairobi. Mosimane said he was relieved to have further options at left-back, with Kabini and Fawaaz Basadien available.

Bafana Bafana travelled immediately after the Guinea match, heading to Cairo via Doha. The team will face Eritrea on Wednesday before taking on Egypt in an international friendly next weekend.