Mosimane pleased with winning start after tough Guinea test

Bafana had an avalanche of chances in the first half but missed some critical opportunities. They took the lead towards the end of the first half through Ime Okon, but Seydouba Cisse equalised in the 69th minute before Samukelo Kabini restored the lead seven minutes later. 

Mosimane also acknowledged Guinea as a tough opponent...

"I think we have to give some respect to Guinea because they made it difficult and played well despite not being in the AFCON last time out. It will be a very interesting game between Guinea and Kenya because they're a quality side with their tricky wingers, but Sebelebele was there to match Balde who was causing problems in the first half.

"I thought Okon and Makhanya worked well together to handle their number nine as well. I'm also happy for Mbuthuma who got the assist for Kabini's goal. Iqraam Rayners was also good it's just that the ball didn't fall for him."

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Bafana had some great chances in the first half and could have put the game away before halftime, and Mosimane says they need to work on their finishing, something that is a general challenge in the South African football scene.

Just before Kabini was introduced in the second half for an injured Aubrey Modiba, Mosimane had a brief moment with him, but he refused to admit that it contributed to the goal.

He was also equally impressed by Kamogelo Sebelebele’s showing on the day, after his tussle with Aliou Balde in the first half.

Mosimane also confirmed that Modiba has a tight hamstring, and that’s what led to his substitution, and he could be a doubt for the next game against Eritrea, who were held to a one-all draw by Kenya in Nairobi. 

The three-time CAF Champions League-winning coach is happy to still have two more left-backs in Kabini and Fawaaz Basadien.

Bafana left immediately after the game, straight to the airport, as they were catching a flight to Cairo, Egypt, via Doha, Qatar, ahead of their next game on Wednesday against Eritrea and also an international friendly against Egypt next weekend.