LIVE: South Africa vs Kenya | AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Bafana Bafana looks to extend its strong start in the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers, but Kenya has special motivations and a coach who knows its opponent very well.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers feature an exciting matchup this Friday, November 13. South Africa will host Kenya at Orlando Stadium in a game that brings together two different stories and a reunion full of emotion: Pitso Mosimane vs. Benni McCarthy.
The Kenyan coach will return to a stadium he knows very well, but this time his mission will be to make things difficult for his home country. Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana will look to take advantage of home-field advantage and continue their strong run in the competition.
Bafana Bafana Look to Stay at the Top
South Africa enters the match as Group D leaders with six points, following victories over Guinea and Eritrea. Pitso Mosimane's side has scored seven goals and conceded just one, establishing itself as one of the teams to watch in the qualifiers.
Relebohile Mofokeng stood out in the 5-0 win over Eritrea with a brace, while Ime Okon, Samukele Kabini, Sphephelo Sithole, Iqraam Rayners, and Luther Singh have also contributed to South Africa's strong start. For this international break, Mosimane can count on players such as Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster, as he looks to extend the winning streak and maintain South Africa's advantage over Guinea and Eritrea in the race for the group's additional qualifying spot.
Kenya Seek First Win as Olunga Returns
Kenya finds itself in a different situation. The Harambee Stars drew 1-1 against Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea. Although their place at AFCON 2027 is already secured as one of the co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, Benni McCarthy's team needs better results to regain confidence.
One of the biggest boosts is the return of captain Michael Olunga, who is back after recovering from an injury that required surgery. Defender Eric Ouma also returns, while Ryan Ogam, who scored against Eritrea, remains among the team's attacking options. Kenya will have an important opportunity to show it can compete against one of the group's strongest teams.
Mosimane Warns About McCarthy Ahead of Special Reunion
Benni McCarthy, South Africa's all-time leading scorer with 31 international goals, will return to Orlando Stadium as Kenya's head coach. He acknowledged that the occasion will be special because of the memories he made at the venue.
Meanwhile, Pitso Mosimane urged his team not to underestimate the Harambee Stars and praised McCarthy's coaching experience. The two sides will meet again on November 17 in Nairobi.
