South Africa breathed fresh life into their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea in Kampala on Monday. This win marked Bafana Bafana’s first triumph of the tournament and lifted them off the bottom of Group C.
The match at Mandela National Stadium was charged with tension, as both teams had something to prove. South Africa was desperate to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing 1-1 draw against Algeria, while Guinea needed to recover from a heavy 3-0 defeat to co-hosts Uganda. The stakes were high, and the contest promised a thrilling battle.
Bafana Bafana wasted no time showcasing their intentions. Just 10 minutes into the match, Thabiso Kutumela linked up brilliantly with Neo Maema, who coolly slotted home his first goal of the finals into the bottom corner. This quick strike affirmed the South African side’s aggressive approach, aiming to unsettle Guinea’s defensive lines from the outset.
However, Guinea soon responded with a purpose of their own. In the 37th minute, an incisive pass from Mohamed Bangoura I split South Africa’s defence, finding Moussa Camara who produced a composed low shot, finding the net past goalkeeper Samukelo Xulu. The equaliser shifted momentum, with Guinea finishing the first half on the front foot, as South Africa scrambled to defend under pressure.
After a gripping first half, the second period began with both teams exhibiting renewed urgency. Yet, it was South Africa that would strike decisively again. In the 54th minute, Wayde Jooste’s pinpoint cross from the right found Kutumela unmarked in the box, allowing him to coolly place a shot into the bottom right corner. This remarkable finish represented Kutumela’s second goal in CHAN history, highlighting his rising influence in coach Molefi Ntseki’s attacking strategy.
As the clock ticked down, Guinea was relentless in their pursuit of an equaliser. The introduction of substitutes such as Mohamed Diabate and Cheick Camara aimed to reinvigorate their attack, as they bombarded South Africa’s defence. A close-range header from Diabate in the 88th minute and a fierce drive from Bangoura II moments later forced vital interventions from Xulu, who was determined to keep his side in the game.
In a nail-biting finish, a towering header from Cheick Camara drifted agonisingly over the bar as stoppage time elapsed. The final whistle rang out, prompting joyous celebrations from the Bafana Bafana bench – a stark contrast to their earlier frustration in the tournament.
Coach Ntseki’s tactical adjustments were apparent as his side demonstrated greater discipline compared to their previous match, maintaining a solid defensive shape while effectively executing quick transitions. The impact of substitutes like Tebogo Tlolane and Harold Majadibodu in the closing stages proved instrumental in absorbing Guinea’s late surge.
For Guinea, the defeat is a painful blow, marking their second consecutive loss and leaving them rooted at the bottom of Group C. Their hopes for qualification now hang by a thread, necessitating not just a win in their final match but also favourable results elsewhere.
This latest result places South Africa in contention with four points, temporarily elevating them behind Algeria in a closely contested group. With Uganda preparing to face Niger, the qualification picture for Group C remains finely poised as the tournament progresses.