South Africa to host Guinea in AFCON 2027 qualifier

South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign against Guinea on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The match is scheduled to take place at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, correcting previous reports that suggested the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg would host the event.

This fixture is part of Group D, which also includes co-host Kenya. Because Kenya has already secured qualification, only one additional spot is available for the non-host teams in the group. Following the match against Guinea, South Africa is scheduled to face Eritrea on September 30.

Coach Pitso Mosimane is expected to maintain much of the squad inherited from former coach Hugo Broos, though injuries to defenders Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Khuliso Mudau may force lineup changes. Expected replacements include Olwethu Makhanya and Kamogelo Sebelebele. The squad also features several new players who may see action during the upcoming international window.