Bafana Bafana
Bafana Bafana have secured their first-ever win over Guinea in the CHAN 2024 tournament, defeating the National Elephants 2-1 to climb to second spot in Group C under coach Molefi Ntseki.
In a historic moment for South African football, Bafana Bafana have secured their first-ever win over Guinea in the CHAN 2024 tournament, defeating the National Elephants 2-1 to climb to second spot in Group C under coach Molefi Ntseki. The match, played at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on Monday, 11 August 2025, saw Neo Maema and Thabiso Kutumela score for South Africa, while Moussa Camara netted Guinea’s lone goal. This victory marks a turnaround for Bafana, who drew 1-1 with Algeria in their opener, earning them four points from two games. Guinea, after a 1-0 win over Niger and a 3-0 loss to Uganda, now sit third with three points. Ntseki’s side, returning to CHAN after an 11-year absence, showed resilience in a tightly contested Group C, where Algeria leads with four points from two draws, Uganda has three from one win and one loss, and Niger trails with zero. The result boosts South Africa’s qualification hopes for the knockout stage, with their final group match against co-hosts Uganda on 15 August 2025. As the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania unfolds, Bafana’s performance under Ntseki—known for his tactical acumen—has fans optimistic for a deep run, especially after years of underachievement in African competitions.
Match Report: Goals and Key Moments
The game kicked off at 16:00 local time (13:00 GMT), with Bafana Bafana eager to build on their solid draw against Algeria. Neo Maema opened the scoring for South Africa, capitalising on a well-worked team move to slot home past the Guinean keeper. Thabiso Kutumela doubled the lead, showcasing his experience from club football with Mamelodi Sundowns, with a clinical finish that put Bafana in command.
Guinea responded through Moussa Camara, pulling one back with a powerful strike that tested Bafana’s defence. Despite pressure in the closing stages, South Africa’s backline, marshalled by captain Terrence Mashego, held firm to secure the three points. Coach Ntseki praised his team’s determination: “This win is for the fans back home. We’ve shown we can compete at this level.”
The victory is Bafana’s first against Guinea in any competition, breaking a hoodoo of previous draws and losses. Guinea’s coach Souleymane Camara, who had called the match “winnable” beforehand, lamented missed chances: “We had opportunities but couldn’t convert. South Africa deserved the win.”
Ntseki’s Cooking: Bafana Climb Group C Standings
Under interim coach Molefi Ntseki, appointed after Hugo Broos focused on the senior team, Bafana have impressed in CHAN 2024. Ntseki, a former Chiefs coach, has instilled discipline and flair, with Maema and Kutumela emerging as key players. The win propels South Africa to second in Group C, behind Algeria on goal difference, setting up a must-win finale against Uganda.
Group C standings after two matches:
- Algeria: 4 points (2 draws)
- South Africa: 4 points (1 win, 1 draw)
- Guinea: 3 points (1 win, 1 loss)
- Uganda: 3 points (1 win, 1 loss)
- Niger: 0 points (1 loss, exempt in round 1)
Qualification requires top two spots, making the remaining games crucial. Bafana’s return to CHAN after missing 2018 and 2022 editions has been positive, with a squad of locally based players showcasing domestic talent.
Broader Context: CHAN 2024 and South Africa’s Campaign
The African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, postponed from 2023, features home-based players and is co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from 1 to 25 August 2025. South Africa qualified with a 3-0 aggregate win over Eswatini, entering Group C as underdogs but showing promise.
Ntseki’s squad includes experienced names like Mashego from Sundowns and young stars like Maema from SuperSport United. The team’s 1-1 draw with Algeria featured Kutumela’s equaliser, setting the stage for the Guinea win. Uganda thrashed Guinea 3-0 in their opener but lost to Algeria, while Niger fell 1-0 to Guinea.
South Africa’s goal is a quarter-final berth, last achieved in 2014 as hosts. Ntseki remains optimistic: “We’re building momentum. This win boosts our confidence.”
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