By Editorial Team | 11 November 2026 | FWG PLUS
Three wins from three matches have given Pitso Mosimane’s latest Bafana Bafana spell a flying start. Now South Africa must turn that momentum into points when Benni McCarthy’s Kenya visit Soweto for a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday.
Three victories, two qualifying wins
Mosimane’s side defeated Guinea 2–1 in Johannesburg on 26 September before beating Eritrea 5–0 in Cairo four days later. They rounded off the international window with a 1–0 friendly victory over Egypt on 4 October. Across the three matches, Bafana scored eight goals and conceded just one, keeping two clean sheets.
It is an encouraging record, but the distinction between competitions matters: the wins over Guinea and Eritrea delivered six points in AFCON qualifying, while the Egypt result was an international friendly. South Africa enter this week’s fixtures top of Group D, three points ahead of Guinea.
A familiar opponent in the opposite dugout
The match brings together two prominent South African football figures. Mosimane will face Kenya coach Benni McCarthy, the former Bafana striker who returns to his home country as an opposing national-team manager.
Kenya have already secured a place at the 2027 tournament as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania, but that does not mean the Harambee Stars have nothing to play for. They drew 1–1 with Eritrea and lost 1–0 to Guinea in their opening Group D fixtures. McCarthy will want an improved performance and a result to build confidence.
Mosimane has warned his players not to underestimate Kenya, highlighting McCarthy’s competitive character and the experience he has gained as both a player and coach. His message is clear: Bafana’s recent results will count for little if the team fails to approach Friday’s contest with the right intensity.
A limited preparation window
South Africa’s camp has been assembling this week, with players arriving from clubs in different countries. Mosimane and his staff must assess fitness, integrate the squad and refine their approach in a short period before kick-off.
One player to watch is Relebohile Mofokeng, who scored twice against Eritrea. His attacking movement could be useful against a Kenyan side likely to arrive with a clear plan to frustrate the hosts. At the other end, Bafana must remain alert to Kenya forward Ryan Ogam, who scored against Eritrea in September.
What is at stake in Group D?
With Kenya automatically qualified, only one other team from the group can advance to the finals. That makes the contest between South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea especially important. Taking maximum points from the two Kenya fixtures would strengthen Bafana’s position, but qualification will still depend on the remaining group results.
The first meeting takes place at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Friday, 13 November at 18:00 SAST. The return fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November in Nairobi.
For Mosimane, this is an opportunity to show that three straight victories were more than a promising opening chapter. For McCarthy, it is a chance to upset his home nation. And for Bafana supporters, it is another test of a team hoping to build a lasting run of success.
Sources: SAFA fixture and results announcement; SABC News, 10 November; SuperSport, 11 November; CAF coaching announcement.
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