“Eish, Oosh, And Eish!”: Frustrated Mosimane Laments Bafana’s Missed Chances Despite Guinea Win
Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane admitted it was nerve-wracking to watch his side edge Guinea 2–1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium, quipping that the performance came with plenty of “eish, oosh, and eish.”
It was far from comfortable for South Africa in Soweto, with defender Samukelo Kabini netting the decisive goal 13 minutes from time on Saturday afternoon.
Bafana opened the scoring in the 30th minute through defender Ime Okon, who rifled a left-footed strike into the net at the far post following a corner. It was Okon’s first goal for Bafana Bafana.
South Africa had previously squandered a glorious chance when star forward Relebohile Mofokeng found space inside the box, only to drag his effort wide of the target.
Spurred by that reprieve, Guinea fought back after the break. Seydouba Cisse pounced on a poorly cleared free-kick in the 68th minute to beat Bafana captain Ronwen Williams and draw the visitors level.
However, Kabini restored South Africa’s advantage in the 76th minute, combining slickly with Yanela Mbuthuma before beating Guinea goalkeeper Soumaila Sylla at his near post.
The result marks the first time Bafana Bafana have won the opening match of an AFCON qualifying campaign since defeating Nigeria 2–0 in Uyo in June 2017, which was under Stuart Baxter.
Despite the victory, Mosimane was visibly frustrated by his side’s lack of a killer instinct in front of goal.
“We played well, especially in the first half,” Mosimane told SABC Sport after the match.
“We pressed them high up, but you know our typical problem—eish, oosh, eish; we just don’t finish our chances. You know what happens when you play against quality teams: if you don’t take your chances, they will punish you.”
Mosimane also appealed to the South African public to fill home venues, referencing the atmosphere he experienced while supporting the Springboks against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium earlier this month.
“I just hope more fans come to the stadium because we need their support to push us,” Mosimane added.
Bafana Bafana now turn their attention to Wednesday’s second Group D qualifier against Eritrea, which will be played at a neutral venue in Cairo, Egypt.
