Benny McCarthy banks on home advantage as Kenya prepare for Bafana Bafana rematch

Kenya head coach Benny McCarthy is counting on home advantage and a more adventurous approach as the Harambee Stars prepare to face South Africa in Tuesday’s return fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The two sides will renew their rivalry on November 17 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with Kenya hoping to build on their impressive comeback in the first meeting.

The opening encounter ended in a 2-2 draw, with McCarthy’s men twice coming from behind to secure a valuable point against Bafana Bafana on South African soil.

Having demonstrated their resilience in the first leg, the former Manchester United striker wants his players to approach the return fixture with greater attacking intent, particularly with the backing of their home supporters.

McCarthy believes Kenya’s climatic conditions and altitude could also play an important role in determining the outcome, arguing that his locally based players are more familiar with the environment than their South African counterparts.

The Kenyan tactician is therefore hoping his team can use those conditions to their advantage while making life difficult for Bafana Bafana from the opening whistle.

He wants the Harambee Stars to take the initiative, control proceedings and prevent their opponents from settling into their preferred style of play.

However, McCarthy is also aware of the attacking quality possessed by South Africa and has warned his defenders against giving their opponents too much freedom in the final third.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers forward particularly highlighted the threat posed by Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Iqraam Rayners.

The quartet troubled Kenya’s defence during the first encounter, and McCarthy knows his side must find a way to contain their attacking influence if they are to secure victory in Nairobi.

With both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the qualification race, Tuesday’s encounter promises another demanding contest.

Kenya will be determined to turn their fighting performance in the first leg into a home victory, while Bafana Bafana will be eager to respond after surrendering points despite taking the lead twice.

McCarthy’s men will hope that their familiarity with the local conditions, combined with a more aggressive attacking approach, can provide the difference as they target a crucial result against South Africa.