South Africa and Guinea stand out in the African Nations Cup

Qualification for the African Nations Cup has generated a great deal of buzz, especially after the recent update of the standings table. The South Africa and Guinea national teams are among those driving public interest, with their positions in Group D being closely monitored.

Qualification for the African Nations Cup

The qualification tournament for the African Nations Cup is progressing, with group‑stage results being regularly updated. The latest update, dated September 26, 2026, at 14:05, shows the current situation of the teams. This qualification process is crucial for determining which African nations will take part in the main championship.

The scenario in Group D

In Group D of the African Nations Cup qualification, the race has been tight from the start. All four teams in the group – Eritrea, Guinea, Kenya and South Africa – recorded a draw in their opening matches. As a result, each side has one point on the table. Guinea sits in second place, while South Africa is fourth, both having played one game, one draw, zero wins and zero losses, and zero goals scored and conceded.

South Africa's national team

South Africa’s squad, led by coach Pitso Mosimane, has a specific line‑up for its qualification challenges. The team captain is R. Williams, who plays as goalkeeper. The starting eleven for recent matches included:

• Goalkeeper: R. Williams (captain)
• Defenders: A. Modiba, O. Makhanya, I. Okon, K. Sebelebele
• Defensive midfielders: T. Mokoena, Y. Sithole
• Attacking midfielders: O. Appollis, R. Mofokeng, T. Maseko
• Forward: I. Rayners

Among the substitutes, notable names are B. Aubaas, S. Chaine, R. Goss, S. Kabini, C. Mailula, T. Matuludi, Y. Mbuthuma, T. Morena, K. Ndamane, L. Seema, L. Singh and T. Zwane.

Guinea's national team

Guinea, on the other hand, is coached by Hélder Cristovão Santos Narciso. The squad also has a defined line‑up for the competition, with S. Sow serving as captain and defender. Guinea’s starting eleven consists of:

• Goalkeeper: S. Sylla
• Defenders: S. Sylla, A. Keita, S. Sow (captain), I. Fofana
• Midfielders: I. Moriba, L. Kourouma, S. Cissé
• Forwards: A. Traoré, S. Guirassy, A. Balde

Players waiting on the bench include I. Bangoura, M. Camara, A. Camara, O. Camara, O. Diabate, L. Diaby‑Fadiga, I. Diakité, M. Keïta (listed twice), M. Konaté, M. Soumah and M. Sylla.

Information from BBC.