For the first time since the World Cup, South Africa are in action, with Guinea their opponents on Saturday. The Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg is the setting for this AFCON qualifier.

A new era for South Africa as Mosimane takes charge

After taking four points from their group games, South Africa progressed to the round of 32 in North America, but they were knocked out by Canada. Coach Hugo Broos has since departed, with Pitso Mosimane taking charge.

The 62-year-old’s plans for this international break have been hampered by injuries to Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa and Bradley Cross. This is also the first outing for Bafana Bafana since the tragic death of midfielder Jayden Adams.

The hosts will be looking to Relebohile Mofokeng to provide some attacking spark on the right flank. The 21-year-old is in good form, with four goals and an assist in seven appearances so far this term for Belgian club Union St. Gilloise.

South Africa predicted lineup vs Guinea (4-2-3-1): Williams; Morena, Sibisi, Okon, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Appollis, Zwane, Mofokeng; Rayners.

Guinea hoping Guirassy can make the difference

With Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy leading the line, Guinea can count on one of the outright stars of African football. The 30-year-old has registered four goals and two assists across his past five club appearances.

Ilaix Moriba, Saïdou Sow and Aguibou Camara have also returned to the squad. That means the Syli National are in a stronger position than was the case after their 1-0 defeat to Northern Ireland in their most recent international in June.

Issiaga Sylla and Mouctar Diakhaby are sidelined through injury for the visitors, who may set up with a 4-3-3 system. Aguibou Camara and Aliou Baldé should offer support for Guirassy in attack.

Guinea predicted lineup vs South Africa (4-3-3): Soumaïla Sylla; Diakité, Sow, Konaté, Sekou Sylla; Moriba, Cissé, Bangoura; A. Camara, Guirassy, Baldé.

South Africa vs Guinea Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Under 2.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.46 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: South Africa 1-1 Guinea
  • 22Bet Booking Code: 3SR2J

Key stats:

  • All of the previous six South Africa matches have finished with two or fewer goals.
  • Bafana Bafana have failed to net more than once in any of their nine outings in 2026.
  • There have been two or fewer goals scored in four of Guinea’s previous five fixtures.

Backing under 2.5 goals is a safe option for this AFCON qualifier. South Africa defended well at the World Cup and, with home advantage, are the favourites here, but they’re not a free-scoring side. Their fixtures this year have averaged just 1.78 goals per 90 minutes.

Guinea will view a draw as a positive opening result, so there is no pressure on Paulo Duarte to take risks. They’ve failed to net in their past two internationals, while just 1.9 goals per game were scored on average in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

South Africa vs Guinea Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Guinea to win or draw
  • Odds: 1.78 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: BER2J

With 11 goals in 28 international appearances, Guirassy will be the outstanding attacking player in this match. His return will boost morale in the Guinea camp, and they offer value to avoid defeat.

Despite reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup, South Africa have only won one of their nine matches this year. They’ve scored just 0.67 goals per game during that period.

Verdict: Under 2.5 goals (1.46) — South Africa 1-1 Guinea