AFCON Qualifying: Bafana Bafana vs Kenya, Preview

Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers – Group D
Date: Friday, 13 November 2026
Kick-off: 18:00 (SAST)
Venue: Orlando Amstel Arena, Johannesburg
Prediction: Bafana Bafana 2-0 Kenya

Coach Pitso Mosimane’s men have made an impressive start to their qualifying campaign, collecting maximum points from their opening two matches. However, they face a Kenyan side coached by former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy, who is eager to make a statement against his home country.

The encounter also marks the first of two meetings between the sides in four days, with the return fixture scheduled for Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November.

What is at stake?

There is plenty riding on Friday’s encounter, particularly for South Africa, who are aiming to maintain their perfect start and strengthen their grip on the only available AFCON qualification place from Group D.

Bafana opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea before producing an emphatic 5-0 win against Eritrea. Another three points would put Mosimane’s team in an excellent position heading into the second meeting in Kenya.

Kenya, meanwhile, are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda. Nevertheless, the Harambee Stars will be keen to build momentum, improve their competitive form and disrupt South Africa’s qualification campaign.

There is also an intriguing personal storyline, with McCarthy facing the country where he made his name as a footballer. The former Bafana forward will know exactly what a victory over South Africa would mean for his reputation and his new team.

Group D standings

Heading into Matchday 3, South Africa occupy top spot following two victories, while Guinea remain their closest challengers.

osition	Team	Played	Points	Goal difference
1	South Africa	2	6	+6
2	Guinea	2	3	0
3	Kenya	2	1	-1
4	Eritrea	2	1	-5

With only one additional qualification spot available in the group because Kenya have automatic qualification as co-hosts, South Africa cannot afford to become complacent. A positive result against Kenya would further strengthen their position ahead of the remaining qualifiers.

Players to watch

Relebohile Mofokeng – South Africa

The exciting young attacker brings creativity, confidence and unpredictability to the Bafana forward line. His ability to operate between the lines, take on defenders and create opportunities could make him a key figure in breaking down Kenya’s defence.

Teboho Mokoena – South Africa

Mokoena’s influence in midfield will be vital. His passing range, ability to dictate the tempo and threat from distance give Bafana another dimension, particularly if Kenya adopt a defensive approach.

Michael Olunga – Kenya

The Harambee Stars captain remains Kenya’s biggest attacking reference point. His experience, aerial ability and goalscoring instincts mean South Africa will have to keep him closely marked, especially when Kenya look to attack on the counter.

Benni McCarthy’s attacking options – Kenya

Kenya will need more than individual brilliance to trouble Bafana, but their attacking players will have opportunities to exploit spaces behind the South African defence. McCarthy’s tactical approach and ability to motivate his squad could also be significant.

Match analysis: Can Kenya stop Bafana’s momentum?

South Africa enter the contest with confidence after scoring seven goals in their opening two AFCON qualifiers. Their combination of attacking quality, midfield control and defensive organisation makes them a difficult opponent on home soil.

Mosimane will want his team to take control early, move the ball quickly and avoid allowing Kenya to settle into a compact defensive structure.

Kenya, on the other hand, are likely to prioritise defensive discipline and look for opportunities on the break. Olunga’s presence gives them an outlet, while McCarthy will be aware that frustrating the home supporters could work in his team’s favour.

The biggest challenge for Kenya will be containing Bafana’s attacking movement while remaining dangerous enough to trouble Ronwen Williams.

Prediction: Bafana Bafana 2-0 Kenya

South Africa have the advantage of home support, stronger recent qualifying results and an impressive start under Mosimane.

Kenya has enough quality to make the contest competitive, particularly with Olunga leading the attack, but Bafana’s midfield strength and attacking options should give them the edge.

Prediction: Bafana Bafana 2-0 Kenya

South Africa have the advantage of home support, stronger recent qualifying results and an impressive start under Mosimane.

Kenya have enough quality to make the contest competitive, particularly with Olunga leading the attack, but Bafana’s midfield strength and attacking options should give them the edge.

The prediction is a 2-0 victory for South Africa, with the hosts taking another important step towards securing their place at AFCON 2027. Bet now with Bet.co.za.