South Africa edge Guinea 2–1 in CHAN 2024 Group C thriller at Namboole

CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024
Pamoja (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda)
Group C 
Monday 
Result
South Africa 2 Guinea 1

Despite Guinea enjoying the vocal backing of Uganda Cranes supporters inside Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, South Africa held firm to secure a 2-1 win in their CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Group C clash on Monday.

The match pitted a South African side tipped as favourites because of their experience against a Guinea team dominated by U-23 players who were recovering from a 3-0 defeat to Uganda just four days earlier.

However, it was the West Africans who took control early, thrilling the neutral Ugandan crowd with flowing, attacking football that drew applause with every attacking move.

South Africa, however, made their experience count, capitalising on defensive lapses. The first came in the 13th minute when Neo Maema pounced to give Bafana Bafana the lead. Guinea responded strongly, levelling matters in the 34th minute when Moussa Camara, set up by Mohamed Bangoura, sent the stadium into raptures.

The second half saw Guinea continue to dominate possession and create chances, while South Africa patiently waited to strike on the counter. Their moment arrived in the 54th minute, when Thabiso Kutumela restored their lead with a swift break.

Roared by the Ugandan fans who had arrived early for the later Uganda versus Niger fixture, Guinea pressed relentlessly for another equaliser but could not find a way past the resolute South African defence.

The result lifts South Africa to four points, level with Algeria, who top Group C on goal difference. Uganda and Guinea both have three points, though the Syli Nationale trail the Cranes on goal difference. Niger sit bottom without a point, but with a game in hand.

Only the top two teams after the group stage will advance to the knockout rounds.