Guinea may be ranked 81st in the world, but Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana side cannot afford to take them lightly at the Orlando Stadium and here’s exactly why.
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Bafana Bafana get their Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualification campaign underway this weekend when they face Guinea at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The clash against Paulo Duarte’s side also marks the start of Pitso Mosimane’s second tenure as coach of the men’s national team.
Mosimane replaced Hugo Broos as Bafana head coach after the Belgian mentor stepped down following the 2026 FIFA World Cup in July.
In his first task, the former Sundowns coach faces a tricky test in the form of 81st-ranked Guinea. Today, we take a look at three Guinea players Bafana Bafana will have to keep a special eye on in Soweto.
3 Guinea players Bafana Bafana should watch out for
Ibrahima Fofana
The 24-year-old defender is flying high in Sweden with Hammarby. With 17 appearances under his belt, he is a vital cog for a side sitting second on the log and chasing continental football.
Fofana has two goals and one assist to his name, and can slot in at both right-back and centre-back.
Also see: Pitso Mosimane reveals 1st Bafana Bafana squad ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign
Seydouba Cisse
A relentless engine in midfield who will give Bafana Bafana a tough time. Cissé brought years of Spanish experience from Leganés straight into the Gulf, cementing his status as a key player for his new club, Al Kholood, in the Saudi top flight this season.
Serhou Guirassy
The Borussia Dortmund striker is undoubtedly Guinea’s dangerman. Guirassy has been in superb form for the German giants this season, with four goals and two assists in just six matches.
Guinea will travel without former Liverpool star Naby Keita after he declined his call-up for personal reasons. Even without him though, Syli National still have several players that can cause serious problems on the day.
Bafana Bafana have been drawn in group D, alongside Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya. The top two from each group will qualify for next year’s AFCON, which will be hosted in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Featured image: Gallo Images/Lefty Shivambu
Originally published by Soccermag.
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