For South Africa head coach Molefi Ntseki, Monday’s Group C clash against Guinea is less about dwelling on the table and more about seizing a second chance. After a 1-1 draw with Algeria in their TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) opener, Ntseki believes his team now understands the rhythm of the tournament and must use that knowledge to unlock their first victory.
“The first game served as a real icebreaker for us,” Ntseki explained. “It showed we can match strong opponents and gave us the confidence we need. But now, sitting with just one point, we must surpass ourselves to keep our ambitions alive.”
Ntseki’s assessment of Group C is blunt: there are no easy opponents, and every lapse is punished. His preparation for Guinea has included careful study of their attacking patterns, particularly the threat posed by their number 7 and 10.
“They have players who can hurt you at any moment,” he warned. “We have to be organized defensively, but also courageous going forward.”
Guinea, meanwhile, arrive in Kampala still feeling the sting of a 3-0 loss to Uganda. But head coach Souleymane Camara has refused to let that setback fracture his side’s belief.
“I remind my players that they can win,” Camara said. “We’ve rested, recovered, and worked to correct our mistakes. The loss doesn’t erase our objectives they are still alive.”
Both teams sit at the wrong end of the standings, with South Africa bottom on goal difference and Guinea only just above them. Uganda and Algeria lead the way, making Monday’s meeting a potential tipping point for either side’s campaign.
South Africa captain Keagan Dolly has embraced the high stakes.
“We analysed what went wrong in the first game and fixed it in training,” Dolly said. “Our goal is to stay consistent, concentrated, and create chances because every goal counts now.”
For Guinea, the return of creative midfielder Mahamed Madani Diarra could be crucial. Fresh from injury, Diarra says the squad has vowed to respond.
“We know what went wrong, and we know we must react,” he said. “This game is about representing Guinea with pride and focus.”
Ntseki’s challenge is to turn the promise of a solid start into momentum, while Camara’s is to spark a reaction from a wounded team. In a group where one bad result can end the dream, Monday’s 17:00 kick-off at Mandela National Stadium will test not only tactics, but mental resilience.
For one team, it will be a fresh start. For the other, it could be the beginning of the end.
