AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: McCarthy promises more attacking approach as Kenya prepare for Bafana return

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy says his side will adopt a more aggressive approach when they host South Africa in Tuesday’s return fixture of their international friendly series at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

The Harambee Stars held Bafana Bafana to an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, recovering from a goal down on two occasions to secure a valuable result.

McCarthy believes his players demonstrated their ability to compete and dictate proceedings against the South Africans and wants them to carry that confidence into the return encounter.

The former South Africa striker also expects home conditions, particularly the altitude and climate in Kenya, to work in his side’s favour.

“When we go home it will be different. I’m not sure whether South Africa will be accustomed to the altitude, the climate in Kenya,” McCarthy said.

“Our players are accustomed to it, so we will be looking to take the game to them because we saw [on Friday] that when we want to play, we can play.

“We just have to do that from the first minute of the game and take the game to them.”

However, McCarthy acknowledged that Kenya must remain defensively disciplined, warning that South Africa possess several attacking players capable of causing problems.

He specifically highlighted the threat of Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Iqraam Rayners, who troubled his defence in the first meeting.

“But also, we have to be aware of the threats they pose. The players they have upfront, Appollis, Tshepang, Mofokeng, Rayners. They gave us a headache,” he added.

Kenya will now look to capitalise on home advantage and secure a positive result against a South African side that will be eager to respond after Friday’s draw.