GUINEA COACH KEEPS BAFANA WEAKNESSES UNDER WRAPS
By KOPANO MONAHENG
Guinea coach Paulo Duarte has refused to reveal the weaknesses his technical team identified in Bafana Bafana, saying doing so could work against his side ahead of their next encounter.
The mind games have already begun, with Duarte choosing to keep his tactical observations under wraps rather than give South Africa an early warning.
Bafana Bafana will have to wait until their next meeting on Guinean soil to discover exactly what their opponents have identified.
Despite Guinea’s 2-1 defeat at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, Duarte acknowledged the quality of the South African side, highlighting their speed, passing ability and understanding on the field.
He explained that Bafana’s ability to maintain possession and move the ball quickly made it difficult for Guinea to adapt to the pace of the game.
However, when Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane was asked to preview the match, he praised Guinea for their quality and style of play while admitting that South Africa continues to struggle in front of goal.
“What a game here. I think you have to give respect to Guinea. The level, the quality, the arrogance of playing. They play well,” said Mosimane. He acknowledged that Guinea posed a difficult challenge, despite South Africa playing at home and being expected to take control of the match.
Mosimane added that Guinea had a good team, despite having been absent from the Africa Cup of Nations for some time.
“It makes things very difficult for us because we play at home and we have to attack,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea, with goals from Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini securing all three points for the home side.
Duarte remains reluctant to disclose the weaknesses identified by his technical team, insisting that revealing their tactical findings could give South Africa an advantage in their next encounter.
He indicated that Guinea would continue preparing for their upcoming matches while keeping their tactical observations confidential.
