South Africa face Kenya in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header

Bafana Bafana will play Kenya in two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, beginning at Orlando Stadium on Friday before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture on Tuesday.

Here are five key facts about the Harambee Stars ahead of the two matches.

1. Kenya are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 finals

Kenya have already qualified for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as co-hosts, alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

As a result, only one team from Group D can progress to the finals through the qualifying campaign. Bafana Bafana currently top the group with six points from their opening two matches.

2. South Africa have the better head-to-head record

The two nations have met four times previously, all in friendly internationals.

South Africa have won three of those fixtures, while the other finished in a 1-1 draw. The most recent meeting took place in Nairobi in 2012.

3. McCarthy returns to face Bafana

The tie will mark an emotional return for Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy, who is South Africa’s all-time leading scorer with 31 goals.

McCarthy was appointed Kenya manager in March 2025 and Friday’s fixture will be the first time he has faced Bafana Bafana as a national team coach.

4. Kenya have a number of players to watch

Kenya’s squad includes striker Ryan Ogam, who plays for RFC Liege in Belgium and scored the team’s only goal in the group stage.

Gor Mahia teammates Alpha Onyango and Sylvester Owino are also expected to feature, while captain Michael Olunga plays for Al-Arabi SC in the Qatar Stars League.

The Harambee Stars’ goalkeeper, Ian Otieno, is based in South Africa with Richards Bay.

5. Mosimane and McCarthy renew a coaching rivalry

The match will also bring together South African coaches Pitso Mosimane and McCarthy for the first time in a contest between national teams.

They previously met eight times as club managers between 2017 and 2019, when Mosimane was in charge of Mamelodi Sundowns and McCarthy managed Cape Town City.

Mosimane won three of those matches and drew two, while McCarthy claimed victory in the remaining three.

Kenya are ranked 114th in the world and 25th in Africa.