Nigerian-born defender Ime Okon marked the beginning of Pitso Mosimane’s latest reign as South Africa head coach in style, scoring the opening goal in Bafana Bafana’s 2-1 victory over Guinea in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Okon, who has Nigerian heritage, found the breakthrough in the 30th minute at the Orlando Amstel Arena as South Africa secured three points in Mosimane’s first competitive match since returning to the national team.

The goal gave Bafana Bafana a 1-0 advantage, which they carried into the half-time interval after controlling much of the opening period.  

South Africa had threatened early through Relebohile Mofokeng, but it was Okon who eventually broke Guinea’s resistance with his finish midway through the first half.

The goal was particularly significant as it became the first scored by a South African player in the new Mosimane era, with the coach beginning his latest stint in charge of Bafana Bafana with an important AFCON qualifying victory.  

Guinea responded strongly after the interval and eventually drew level through Seydouba Cissé, whose effort restored parity despite controversy over a possible offside.

With the match heading towards a tense finish, Mosimane turned to his substitutes and was rewarded when Samukele Kabini restored South Africa’s lead after combining with fellow substitute Yanela Mbuthuma.

Kabini’s late strike proved decisive as Bafana Bafana held on to claim a 2-1 victory and give Mosimane a winning start to his return to the national team.  

For Okon, the goal adds another important moment to his international career and highlights the growing presence of players of Nigerian descent in the South African national setup.

The victory also gives South Africa an important early advantage in their Group D campaign, which includes Guinea, Kenya and Eritrea. The 2027 AFCON qualifying competition runs through March 2027, with the group phase determining the teams that progress to the finals.  

Mosimane will now prepare Bafana Bafana for their next qualifying assignment against Eritrea, as South Africa seek to build on the positive opening result and strengthen their route towards the 2027 AFCON finals.

Meanwhile, for Okon scoring the first goal of the new Mosimane era provides a memorable chapter in his international journey and further connects his Nigerian roots with his career in South African football.