South Africa vs Kenya: Bafana Bafana face crucial AFCON 2027 qualifying test

East and Southern African football fans will turn their attention to Johannesburg on Friday, 13 November 2026, when South Africa host Kenya in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.

The Group D encounter will take place at Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 South African time (19:00 East African time). It is the first of two meetings between the sides, with the return fixture scheduled for 17 November in Nairobi.
Why the match matters

For Bafana Bafana, the stakes are particularly high. South Africa have collected six points from their opening two qualifying matches, beating Guinea 2-1 before recording a convincing 5-0 victory over Eritrea.

Under coach Pitso Mosimane, another victory would strengthen their position in Group D and move them closer to securing a place at AFCON 2027. With only one additional qualifying place available in the group, every point matters.

Kenya, meanwhile, enter the contest with a different objective. As one of the tournament's three co-hosts, alongside Uganda and Tanzania, the Harambee Stars have already secured automatic qualification. However, their performances remain important for building confidence, improving team combinations and preparing for next year's tournament.

There will be plenty of talking points across both regions. Kenyan supporters will want to see how Benni McCarthy, a South African football legend now coaching the Harambee Stars, approaches his homecoming.

South African fans will be watching whether Mosimane's team can maintain its impressive start, control the midfield and convert attacking opportunities.

The contest also offers an opportunity to assess Kenya's defensive organisation against a confident Bafana side.

Beyond the result, this double-header provides an intriguing regional rivalry and an early glimpse of both teams' ambitions ahead of AFCON 2027.