Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana era is off to a winning start, but the battle for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is already heating up.

South Africa fought their way to a 2-1 victory over Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, with defenders Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini finding the net to hand Mosimane three valuable points in his return to the national-team dugout.

Okon broke the deadlock in the 30th minute before Guinea responded through Seydouba Cisse in the second half.

Mosimane’s substitutes then delivered the decisive blow, with Kabini scoring in the 77th minute to restore Bafana’s lead.

The victory is particularly significant because Group D has only one qualification place available beyond automatically qualified hosts Kenya.

That makes every point between South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea critical.

Kenya, coached by former Bafana striker Benni McCarthy, opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Eritrea.

The Harambee Stars are already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, meaning their qualifying matches serve as preparation for the tournament.

Guinea’s next assignment is against Kenya on 1 October, while South Africa travel to Cairo to face Eritrea on 30 September.

For Mosimane, the Guinea victory provides an important platform.

Bafana now have three points on the board, but the returning coach knows the hard work has only begun.