Bafana Bafana started their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a 2-1 win against Guinea on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Goals from Ime Okon and sub Samukele Kabini secured a hard-fought Group D victory.
The Soweto match also marked Pitso Mosimane’s coaching return to the Bafana Bafana as the men in red and gold began a new chapter under the familiar guidance.
South Africa dominated large chunks of the match before half-time but Guinea equalised straight after the restart and forced Bafana to rely on the bench. Kabini eventually won it for Bafana in the 77th minute of action.
This article takes a different approach to traditional player ratings, by highlighting a player’s overall contribution to the match rather than just their goal-scoring or assist numbers.
The big picture from Bafana’s display
South Africa’s performance contained two contrasting halves.
The first was the defensive and midfield organisation that frustrated Guinea for much of the match, and the second was the attacking intensity of men like Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng.
The match also highlighted the value of Bafana’s subs. Kabini scored after coming on, while Yanela Mbuthuma played a key role in setting up the winning goal.
Both combined to ensure South Africa took three points despite Guinea fighting back.
Bafana Bafana player ratings
Ronwen Williams — 7/10
Williams did not have to make a string of saves, but he was an ever-present threat behind the Bafana Bafana attack.
His experience was vital in steadying the ship when the visitors threatened to take control of the match after the break.
Verdict: Solid presence in goal.
Kamogelo Sebelebele — 6.5/10
Sebelebele faced a tough test from the Guinea attackers and combined defensive awareness with plenty of energy to keep Bafana’s backline intact.
He gave his all in the match and played a key role in Bafana’s narrow win.
Verdict: Deserved defensive work rate against a strong Guinea attack.
Ime Okon — 7.5/10
Okon was one of Bafana’s shining lights in the match, playing a key role at both ends of the pitch.
Not only did he help to frustrate Guinea’s attack, but he also opened the scoring for South Africa. That put Bafana in control of the match.
His partnership with Olwethu Makhanya also provided much-needed stability in Bafana’s backline.
Verdict: Key performer at the back and in attack.
Olwethu Makhanya — 7/10
Makhanya kept his composure alongside Okon and provided stability at the heart of Bafana’s defence.
He was particularly important in South Africa’s 1-0 first-half lead, as he held possession and organisation.
Verdict: Strong, reliable display between the sticks.
Aubrey Modiba — 5/10
Modiba struggled to make an impact in the match, and he did not reach the same levels as some of his midfield colleagues.
He eventually had to be substituted in the second half of action.
Verdict: Quiet performance before making way for a sub.
Sphephelo Sithole — 6.5/10
Sithole’s role was more about defensive organisation than goalscoring. He provided cover in front of Bafana’s backline and ensured the team kept possession while pressing the opponent.
Verdict: Useful defensive cover in midfield.
Teboho Mokoena — 7.5/10
Mokoena was one of Bafana’s standout performers in midfield, using his energy to dictate the tempo of the match.
His energy helped Bafana to dominate possession in the final third and ensure South Africa won the game.
Verdict: Played a key role in South Africa’s midfield.
Thapelo Maseko — 6.5/10
Maseko was a constant menace on the wing, using his pace and power to stretch Bafana’s defence.
His work-rate created numerous chances, but those chances failed to lead to a goalscoring opportunity.
Verdict: Had an impact on the game, but not always in the final third.
Relebohile Mofokeng — 7/10
Mofokeng was willing to take responsibility in attack and caused numerous problems for the Guinea defender.
He threatened early on and forced a string of saves, but Mofokeng’s movement also created chances for his teammates.
Verdict: A lively display, but the finishing touch was missing.
Oswin Appollis — 7.5/10
Appollis was one of the most influential attackers in South Africa’s 2-1 win. His close control and pace regularly caused problems for the backline of Guinea.
He also created several chances rather than taking them himself.
Verdict: One of Bafana’s standout performers in attack.
Iqraam Rayners — 5/10
Rayners did not have too many opportunities to finish, which limited his impact on the game.
However, his efforts off the ball created numerous chances, but he did not get enough service to finish.
Verdict: Hard work without reward in front of goal.
The substitutes had a huge impact
The substitutes made the difference in South Africa’s win against Guinea.
Samukelo Kabini — 7/10
Kabini was a substitute who provided exactly what a manager wants from a player on the bench.
He put Bafana ahead in the 77th minute after coming onto the pitch and scored his first goal for Bafana Bafana.
Verdict: Decisive substitute who scored the winning goal.
Yanela Mbuthuma — 6/10
Mbuthuma added energy after coming onto the field, and his most important contribution came when he created the chance for Kabini’s winning goal.
Verdict: Made a useful impact after coming onto the field.
Later substitutes
Thapelo Morena, Luther Singh and Bathusi Aubaas were brought on late in the game and did not have much impact. They are therefore not given individual ratings.
What the Guinea match reveals about Bafana
The win contained several talking points for South Africa.
Defence remains an important foundation
Okon and Makhanya provided a solid base at the back, holding possession and creating opportunities for the Bafana Bafana attackers.
Okon also showed that Bafana’s defenders can score from set pieces and open play.
The midfield remains central to the team’s control
Sithole and Mokoena may have had slightly different roles, but they both contributed to Bafana’s success in midfield.
Their energy and organisation kept possession of the ball and ensured the team got into good attacking positions.
South Africa still needs greater attacking efficiency
Bafana created plenty of chances through Mofokeng, Appollis and Maseko, but too often those attacks failed to deliver a shot on goal.
Rayners also worked hard, but he did not get near enough service to finish.
The bench proved valuable
The subs made the difference against Guinea, with Kabini and Mbuthuma combining to score the winning goal.
Bafana Bafana ratings at a glance
| Player | Rating | Main contribution |
| ——————- | —–: | ——————————— |
| Ronwen Williams | 7/10 | Goalkeeping and leadership |
| Kamogelo Sebelebele | 6.5/10 | Defensive work |
| Ime Okon | 7.5/10 | Defensive stability and goal |
| Olwethu Makhanya | 7/10 | Centre-back partnership |
| Aubrey Modiba | 5/10 | Limited overall influence |
| Sphephelo Sithole | 6.5/10 | Midfield protection |
| Teboho Mokoena | 7.5/10 | Midfield control and energy |
| Thapelo Maseko | 6.5/10 | Pace and width |
| Relebohile Mofokeng | 7/10 | Attacking threat |
| Oswin Appollis | 7.5/10 | Creativity and attacking pressure |
| Iqraam Rayners | 5/10 | Pressing and work rate |
| Samukelo Kabini | 7/10 | Winning goal |
| Yanela Mbuthuma | 6/10 | Assisted winning move |
How these ratings were assessed
These are editorial performance ratings, rather than official statistical scores.
The assessment considers a player’s impact on the match, defensive responsibility, attacking contribution, decision-making, work rate and overall effect on the result.
A high rating does not necessarily mean a player scored a goal, and a low rating does not automatically indicate that they played poorly in all aspects of the game.
This distinction is important when reviewing player ratings, as different analysts can reasonably reach different conclusions regarding the same match performance.
What comes next for Bafana Bafana?
South Africa got an important boost in their 2027 AFCON Group D campaign with their win against Guinea.
But the challenge now is to maintain the defensive organisation shown in this match while becoming more efficient in attack.
Supporters will judge the new Mosimane era not only on individual performances, but also on whether the team can consistently produce positive results in the qualifying campaign.
Source and verification
Match result, competition, date and key goal events were verified against current match reporting from SABC Sport, SuperSport and other match-data sources.
The individual ratings in this article are editorial assessments based on the supplied player-rating information and are not presented as official ratings from the PSL, SAFA or a statistical provider.
Editorial policy
Our football coverage aims to provide original, useful reporting rather than repeating team announcements, match reports or other publishers’ wording. Facts are separated from editorial analysis, and subjective player ratings are clearly identified as such.
Fact-checking policy
Match result, competition, scoring events and player involvement are verified against match records and reputable football reporting. Where a rating represents editorial judgement, it is identified as an assessment rather than an objective statistic.
Corrections policy
If a factual error is identified, the article will be reviewed against reliable match records and corrected where necessary. Corrections affecting significant match information should be clearly reflected in the published article.
Disclaimer
Player ratings are subjective football analysis and should not be interpreted as official statistical scores. Different analysts may reasonably reach different conclusions about individual performances. Match information can also be updated as official records are corrected or expanded.
