Bafana Bafana must beat Kenya to keep Africa Cup of Nations hopes on track

Bafana Bafana face a must-win Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya on Friday after Guinea moved level with South Africa at the top of Group D.

Guinea’s 2-1 victory over Eritrea in Conakry on Thursday took the Syli National to six points from three matches. Mohamed Soumah and Yakhouba Barry scored the goals that pulled Guinea level with Pitso Mosimane’s side, who remain leaders only because of their superior goal difference.

The result has left South Africa with little room for error as they prepare to meet Kenya at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto.

Kenya have already secured their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations because they are co-hosting the tournament with Tanzania and Uganda. Under CAF regulations, that leaves only one qualification place available in Group D.

The group has therefore become a direct contest between Bafana Bafana and Guinea, increasing the importance of Friday’s match. A victory would restore South Africa’s three-point advantage before the two sides meet again in the final qualifying window in March 2027.

Mosimane will also be seeking to maintain his perfect record since returning as Bafana Bafana manager. He has won all of his matches in his second spell in charge.

Kenya, however, will be led by South Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer, Benni McCarthy. The Harambee Stars are bottom of the standings with one point and have faced administrative difficulties away from the pitch, but Mosimane has warned his players not to underestimate them.

The second meeting between the teams is scheduled for Tuesday in Nairobi. That makes the home fixture particularly important for South Africa, who risk surrendering the initiative to Guinea if they fail to claim all three points in Soweto.

Kick-off is at 18:00.