Kenya and South Africa will rematch in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers when they meet in a Group D encounter, set for the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on the evening of Tuesday 17 November. Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.
Form and team news
The teams played to a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Matchday 3 encounter at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday 13 November. Bafana Bafana twice claimed the lead – via an own goal from Amos Wanjala and a Relebohile Mofokeng strike – but Kenya hit back through Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam late in each half to salvage a share of the spoils.
The result left South Africa one point clear of nearest chasers Guinea at the top of the log (seven points to six), while Kenya are placed third (two points) and Eritrea (one point) complete the quartet. Bafana and the Syli National look set to battle it out for top spot in the group and a place in next year’s AFCON, with the Harambee Stars already assured of a berth as co-hosts, alongside neighbours Tanzania and Uganda.
What the teams are saying South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane wants his team to sharpen up their finishing: “Football tells you that it is not about ball possession, it is not about how many chances you create, it is about the chances you take. Kenya showed that they did not need much to cause an upset.
The few chances they got, they used them. If you want to see how many chances we missed, it was a series.” Kenya coach Benni McCarthy: “In the end, I think it was a deserved draw for both teams.
Whoever would have won this game, I do not think that people would have been angry or say one team was lucky. Over 90 minutes, both teams had their moments, both goalkeepers performed and kept their teams in the game.”
Players to watch Kenya –
The Kenya goalkeeper made a string of fine saves to deny South Africa in Soweto on Friday, playing a key role in the Harambee Stars earning a share of the spoils. Bryne Odhiambo Omondi will look to be at the heart of the action again in the return game in Nairobi.
South Africa –
Lyle Foster
With Iqraam Rayners missing numerous chances in Soweto on Friday, it would be no surprise if Lyle Foster (who provided an excellent assist for Relebohile Mofokeng’s goal) was given a starting role in Nairobi.
The US-based striker will look to score his first Bafana goal since netting against Zimbabwe in the AFCON just over 11 months ago.
Head-to-head
South Africa and Kenya have met in five previous matches, with Bafana claiming three wins, and two matches ending in draws (one of which then went to penalties and was won by the East Africans).
The teams’ meeting in Soweto on Friday, which ended 2-2, was their first competitive meeting.