South Africa host Kenya in big qualifier

South Africa vs Kenya: Benni McCarthy Faces Emotional AFCON Qualifier Test

Football fans across Africa will turn their attention to Johannesburg on Friday, November 13, 2026, as South Africa host Kenya in an important 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The match promises an exciting contest, with national pride, coaching rivalry and group standings all adding pressure to the encounter.

The Group D Matchday Three fixture will take place at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, with kick-off scheduled for 6:00 pm South African time (5:00 pm Nigerian time and 7:00 pm East African time).

South Africa, popularly known as Bafana Bafana, enter the match in strong form after winning their opening two qualifying games. They defeated Guinea 2-1 before recording an impressive 5-0 victory over Eritrea.

Those results have placed South Africa at the top of Group D with six points, giving coach Pitso Mosimane an opportunity to strengthen the team's position with another victory.

Kenya, also known as Harambee Stars, have experienced a more difficult start. They played a 1-1 draw against Eritrea before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea, leaving them with just one point.

However, Kenya have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament's co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda. Despite this automatic qualification, the team still has plenty to prove in the remaining group matches.

*## Benni McCarthy Adds Extra Interest

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the encounter is Kenya's head coach, Benni McCarthy.

The former South African international footballer will return to his home country to face the national team he once represented, but this time from the opposing dugout.

McCarthy is South Africa's all-time leading international goalscorer, with 31 goals. His return to Johannesburg as Kenya's coach makes the fixture particularly emotional and adds another dimension to an already important contest.

The former Manchester United assistant coach will be hoping to guide Harambee Stars towards a positive result against a familiar opponent.

Meanwhile, South Africa's coach, Pitso Mosimane, will be keen to prevent his former countryman from spoiling Bafana Bafana's impressive start to the qualifying campaign.

The meeting between the two coaches adds an interesting tactical battle, with both men familiar with South African football and its competitive environment.

*## What South Africa Needs

For Bafana Bafana, the immediate objective is to maintain their position at the top of Group D.

A victory would take South Africa to nine points and strengthen their chances of securing the additional AFCON qualification spot available in the group.

With Kenya already qualified as co-hosts, South Africa's main competition for that remaining place comes from Guinea and Eritrea.

Playing at home also gives Mosimane's team an advantage, although they cannot afford to underestimate Kenya.

Players such as Relebohile Mofokeng will be important to South Africa's attacking ambitions, especially after his impressive performance against Eritrea.

*## What Kenya Needs

Although Kenya do not need qualifying points to secure their AFCON 2027 participation, the matches remain important for the team's development and preparations.

McCarthy will want his players to demonstrate greater confidence, discipline and attacking strength after their disappointing opening results.

A positive result against South Africa would boost the team's confidence ahead of the return fixture in Nairobi on November 17.

Kenya will also be looking to improve their historical record against Bafana Bafana. South Africa have won three of their previous four meetings, with the other ending in a draw.

The Harambee Stars will therefore have an opportunity to make history by securing their first senior international victory over South Africa.

A Rivalry Beyond the Scoreline

Friday's encounter is about more than three points. It represents a test of South Africa's ambition to maintain their dominance in Group D and Kenya's determination to become more competitive ahead of hosting AFCON 2027.

For McCarthy, it is also an opportunity to demonstrate his coaching ability against the country where he built his footballing legacy.

With Mosimane seeking another victory and McCarthy determined to make a statement on familiar ground, the encounter promises plenty of excitement.

Attention will also quickly shift to the return fixture in Nairobi on November 17, when Kenya will have another opportunity to challenge their southern African neighbours.

Ultimately, the result in Johannesburg could influence the direction of Group D while providing an important measure of how far both teams have progressed in their preparations for African football's biggest international competition.