South Africa will look to take a further stranglehold on top spot in Group D of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers when they face Kenya in a Matchday 3 fixture, set for the Orlando Stadium on the evening of 13 November, kick-off at 6pm CAT.
Form and team news
Bafana Bafana got their AFCON qualifying campaign off to a great start with back-to-back wins over Guinea (2-1, home) and Eritrea (5-0, away) in September, putting them three points clear of the Syli National at the top of the group. With Kenya already guaranteed qualification as a co-host of the 2027 tournament, only one other team will secure passage to the Nations Cup and South Africa will be determined to retain their place at the head of the standings.
Kenya’s Group D campaign has been underwhelming thus far. The Harambee Stars opened with a 1-1 draw at home to Eritrea, and followed that with a 1-0 defeat away to Guinea – leaving them in third place on the log with just one point. The East Africans are guaranteed a place at the next AFCON regardless of their results, but coach Benni McCarthy – a Bafana Bafana legend – is still under pressure to oversee an upturn in form.
What the teams are saying
South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane:
“We must be very careful of playing a team with nothing to lose, they are in the finals. [Kenya coach] Benni [McCarthy] has the character of a will to win and of fighting for his name. We have to respect that, he was a coach at Manchester United, he coached [Cristiano] Ronaldo. We have to respect the level he reached as a coach and a player.”
Kenya coach Benni McCarthy:
“It’s mixed emotions, to be honest, because I go home to where my roots are. I go home to a place that I once called home. Once upon a time, Orlando Stadium. I go home to adoring fans that always cheered and always supported me no matter what, and I’ve always had unbelievable moments in front of them.
"Now I'm on the other side of the dugout, and I'm against everything that I've helped pull to where it is now. So yeah, so it’s a little bit of mixed emotions, but a proud moment as well, you know.”
Players to watch
South Africa: Relebohile Mofokeng
After a brace of goals in the 5-0 win over Eritrea, Relebohile Mofokeng will be full of confidence and belief. The 22-year-old has made impressive strides with Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise and will be hungry to further enhance his status as a rising star of world football.
Kenya: Ryan Ogam
The scorer of a late equaliser to earn a draw against Eritrea in September, striker Ryan Ogam has the faith of coach Benni McCarthy ahead of other candidates to lead the attack. The 21-year-old has scored an impressive nine goals in 15 caps for Kenya, and will represent a major threat to South Africa’s defence.
Head-to-head
South Africa and Kenya have met in four previous matches (all friendlies), with Bafana claiming three wins, and one match ending in a draw (before Kenya won a penalty shootout). The teams’ most recent meeting was in October 2012, with South Africa winning 2-1 at the Nyayo National Stadium thanks to a strike from Tokelo Rantie and an own goal from Christopher Wekesa. Kenya’s goal was a penalty from Dennis Oliech.