With a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea in Kampala on Monday, South Africa resurrected their chances in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024.
Bafana Bafana’s first tournament win came from goals by Neo Maema and Thabiso Kutumela, therefore putting them off the bottom of Group C before the ensuing game between Uganda and Niger.
After a 1-1 draw with Algeria, South Africa hoped to win, starting the day at the bottom of the group while Guinea was mending from a 3-0 defeat to co-hosts Uganda.
Maema’s first goal of the competition came in the 10th minute with a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, assisted by Kutumela. Molefi Ntseki’s team deserved this goal; from the beginning, they pressured strongly to disrupt Guinea’s defense.
Guinea equalised in the 37th minute when Moussa Camara scored from Mohamed Bangoura I’s pass, sending momentum into halftime.
In the second half, South Africa took the lead with a 54th-minute goal from Kutumela, who finished a perfect cross from Wayde Jooste. Despite multiple attempts by Guinea, including close chances from Aboubacar Bangoura and Cheick Camara, they couldn’t find the net.
The final whistle marked a victory for South Africa, who showed improved discipline and effective counterattacks, with key contributions from substitutes Tebogo Tlolane and Harold Majadibodu.
