South Africa - Guinea

A fresh chapter in a developing rivalry begins as South Africa host Guinea on 26 September 2026 for matchday 1 of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification group stage. Both sides look to establish early momentum in a competitive group, with the pressure of an opening fixture demanding immediate tactical discipline from the outset.

This encounter follows a closely contested meeting between the two nations in the African Nations Championship group stage on 11 August 2025, where South Africa secured a 2-1 victory. Their history also includes a goalless stalemate in a friendly match played on 25 March 2022. With both teams eager to prove their credentials on the continental stage, this opening clash provides a significant opportunity to set the tone for the qualification campaign ahead.