2024 Chan: Bafana chase first-ever win over Guinea

South Africa will go head-to-head with Guinea in the 2024 African Nations Championship Group C match at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on Monday.

Kick-off is at 4pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

Bafana Bafana began their Group C campaign with a 1-1 draw against Algeria on 8 August and they are winless in their last three matches across all competitions, having registered two draws, and one defeat.

South Africa are placed fourth in the group standings, but they are only three points behind leaders, Algeria and they have one game in hand as they look to boost their knockout phase ambitions with a win over Guinea.

Meanwhile, Guinea succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to co-hosts Uganda in their second Group C match on 8 August and the loss ended their two-match unbeaten run across all competitions, having registered a win and a draw.

The National Elephants are currently placed third in the group standings, a point behind Algeria, having defeated Niger in their opening game and they will be targeting their second victory against South Africa.

TEAM NEWS

South Africa and Guinea are yet to report injuries in their respective camps. The two teams also do not have suspension concerns coming into this match.

WHAT WAS SAID?

South Africa defender-come-midfielder Malibongwe Khoza:

“The team doesn’t know each other very well yet," Khoza said after being named Man of the Match following the game against Algeria.

"But the excellent work our coach has done helps create unity and cohesion in the group, and we are here to fight until the end. We want to qualify from the group stage. We will fight until the end."

Guinea coach Souleymane Camara:

"The players were overwhelmed by the events," Camara said after the defeat to Uganda.

"The whole team has not responded. I didn't recognise the Syli Local that we saw facing the Niger."

PLAYERS TO WATCH:

Thabiso Kutumela, South Africa: The experienced forward will carry Bafana's hopes of overcoming Guinea, having scored in a friendly match against Angola before hitting the back of the net in the clash with Algeria.

Mohamed Bangoura, Guinea: The 19-year-old midfielder scored the only goal of the match as the National Elephants overcame Niger and he will be determined to inspire his nation to another victory when he faces Bafana.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

South Africa and Guinea have met five times across all competitions since their first-ever match in March 2001.

The National Elephants boast an undefeated record against Bafana, having registered two victories, while three matches ended in a draw.

The last encounter ended in a 0-0 draw in a friendly match played at the Guldensporen Stadion in Kortrijk, Belgium, in March 2022.