Bafana Bafana Must Contain Serhou Guirassy's Threat at Orlando Stadium
- Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy returns to Guinea's squad for Saturday's AFCON qualifier against Bafana Bafana
- Coach Pitso Mosimane flagged Guirassy as a player requiring special attention ahead of the Orlando Stadium fixture
- Football analyst Mandla Biyela warned that a single-defender approach will not be enough to neutralise the striker
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Bafana Bafana face a significant tactical challenge ahead of Saturday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea, with Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy central to the concern.
Guirassy, who was the joint top scorer in last season's UEFA Champions League, returns to Paulo Duarte's squad after missing the June friendly against Northern Ireland. His presence alone reshapes the threat Guinea pose at Orlando Stadium.
Coach Pitso Mosimane has publicly acknowledged the danger.
"Guinea has a top striker who has been scoring goals for Borussia Dortmund; he is a top number 9 and a big boy, so we have to make sure that we deal with his aerial strength and his other capabilities," Mosimane said.
Collective Defence, Not a Man-Marker
Football analyst Mandla Biyela, speaking exclusively to Briefly News, argued that a man-marking approach would be insufficient.
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"You cannot approach Guirassy as if the solution is simply to put one defender on him for 90 minutes. He is too intelligent and too strong for that. Bafana have to defend collectively, stop the supply into him and make sure the players around him don't have the time and space to deliver quality balls into the box," Biyela said.
He stressed that the real work must happen before the ball reaches the striker.
"The aerial battle will obviously be important, but I would be more concerned about what happens before the ball reaches Guirassy. If Bafana allow Guinea to cross comfortably or play through the midfield without pressure, they are making the striker's job much easier."
Bafana's defensive options have also been complicated by injury. Mbekezeli Mbokazi is unavailable, which means Mosimane is expected to consider Olwethu Makhanya alongside Ime Okon at the back. Makhanya arrives in good form after helping Rangers keep four consecutive clean sheets.
Guinea Are Not at Full Strength
Duarte will be without several key players, including former captain Naby Keita, Issiaga Sylla, Mouctar Diakhaby, Amadou Diawara and Morgan Guilavogui. The absences weaken Guinea's overall depth, even if they retain quality in key positions.
Biyela believes Bafana should use those gaps to impose their own game rather than retreating.
"You have to respect Guirassy, but you cannot allow one player to dictate your entire game plan. If you sit too deep for 90 minutes, you are inviting Guinea to put pressure on you. Bafana need to defend intelligently, but they also need periods where they have the ball and make Guinea defend."
His final assessment framed it as a question of balance.
"Guirassy is the obvious danger, but this should still be about Bafana imposing themselves. If South Africa defend properly as a unit and control the spaces around him, they can make his evening much more difficult."
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Source: Briefly News
