Bafana Bafana Told Six Points Against Kenya Are Non-Negotiable in AFCON Race

Bafana Bafana face a defining moment in their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with their upcoming back-to-back fixtures against Kenya carrying enormous significance for their chances of progressing from Group D.

South Africa are preparing to meet Kenya, coached by Benni McCarthy, in two important qualifying matches scheduled for November 13 and 17. With Kenya already guaranteed a place at the tournament as co-hosts, the battle for the remaining qualification spot in the group is expected to be between Bafana Bafana and Guinea.

The pressure on South Africa is considerable, with six points from the two encounters against Kenya regarded as essential to maintaining control of their qualification campaign.

Guinea are also expected to strengthen their position by collecting maximum points from their double-header against Eritrea. Bafana will therefore need to match that performance to avoid allowing their rivals to gain a decisive advantage.

The qualification calculations suggest that South Africa’s safest route would be to win both matches against Kenya, avoid defeat against Guinea and secure a convincing victory over Eritrea at home. That combination would take Bafana to 16 points and put them in a strong position to secure qualification.

The warning is that even finishing with 15 points may not be enough, depending on the final standings and the relevant tie-breaking rules. This leaves little room for costly mistakes.

The first encounter will take place on November 13 at Orlando Amstel Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00, before the return fixture at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on November 17.

Mosimane has stressed that South Africa must remain in a favourable position heading into the final round of matches.

“The most important point is that on match day six you must remain where you are now. It is all in our hands to make sure that we stay there, but the road to travel to match day six is a long way,” he said.

His comments underline the importance of consistency and concentration as Bafana approach two potentially decisive fixtures.

With Guinea expected to take maximum points against Eritrea, South Africa cannot afford to underestimate Kenya. Securing six points from the double-header would give Bafana a significant boost and keep their ambition of reaching the 2027 AFCON firmly on course.

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