It was only the third time in almost 500 Bafana Bafana matches that two defenders had scored for the national side in the same game, with the previous two instances remarkably coming in back-to-back matches in 2018.
Centre-back Ime Okon put Bafana ahead against Guinea in the first half, before substitute left-back Samukele Kabini scored the winner 13 minutes from time to secure a crucial victory in coach Pitso Mosimane’s first game back in charge.
Kabini had come on for the injured Aubrey Modiba, who was involved in both previous instances of two defenders scoring for the national team in the same match.
The first came in a COSAFA Cup clash in June 2018, when Bafana defeated Namibia 4-1 in Polokwane.
Left-back Modiba scored from the penalty spot, while former Bafana captain Siyanda Xulu, playing at centre-back, was also on the scoresheet.
In the very next game, three days later against Botswana, Modiba again found the back of the net after the late Motjeka Madisha, also playing at centre-back, had opened the scoring in a 3-0 victory.
Before Saturday, those had remained the only two occasions on which two defenders had scored for the national side in the same game.
AFCON qualification
The qualification competition for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations takes place from September 2026 to March 2027. The 48 teams have been drawn into 12 groups, with the top two in each advancing to the 24-team finals. Hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda qualify automatically, but are still playing in the qualifiers; only one other team will advance from their groups.
AFCON qualifying fixtures | AFCON qualifying standings | African football news
Incidentally, Mbulelo Mabizela scored a brace for Bafana against Cape Verde in June 2004, but was playing in midfield that day. He would later feature at centre-back for the national team.
Bafana are next in action on Wednesday, when they travel to neutral Cairo to face Eritrea in their second Group D qualifier. They then meet hosts Egypt in a friendly on October 4.
