“It Will Be Different” Benni McCarthy Reveals Kenya’s Big Plan To Shock Bafana Bafana

Benni McCarthy Warns Bafana Bafana Ahead of Tough Kenya Clash in Nairobi

Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has cautioned Bafana Bafana to prepare for a different and potentially difficult encounter when both teams meet again in Nairobi on Tuesday in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The warning follows Kenya’s impressive comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against South Africa in Soweto on Friday night. The result prevented Pitso Mosimane’s men from recording their third consecutive qualifying victory while boosting Kenya’s confidence ahead of the return fixture.

McCarthy believes playing on home soil could give Kenya an advantage, particularly because South Africa will have to adjust to Nairobi’s different altitude and weather conditions.

Speaking after the match, the former Bafana Bafana striker pointed out that the environment in Kenya could make things more challenging for the visitors.

“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.

He also expressed confidence in his players, explaining that they are familiar with the local conditions and are prepared to take the game to South Africa.

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

McCarthy made it clear that Kenya will not approach Tuesday’s encounter with the intention of sitting back and defending the point they collected in Johannesburg.

Instead, the Harambee Stars are determined to play on the front foot, apply pressure and challenge Bafana Bafana from the opening minutes.

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

Kenya’s confidence is largely based on their performance in the first meeting, where they demonstrated determination by recovering twice after falling behind.

South Africa initially took the lead through an own goal before Michael Olunga brought Kenya level from the penalty spot. Relebohile Mofokeng subsequently restored Bafana’s advantage, but Ryan Ogam scored a late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw for the visitors.

The result leaves South Africa leading Group D with seven points, followed by Guinea on six points, while Kenya have accumulated two points. However, Kenya have already secured their place at the 2027 AFCON because they are among the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania.

Despite the circumstances surrounding their qualification, McCarthy believes his team’s performance in Soweto demonstrated their ability to compete against South Africa.

The Kenyan coach also deserves credit for making a tactical adjustment during the encounter. After noticing the threat posed by Bafana’s wide attackers and advancing full-backs, he changed his team’s formation to a back three.

The adjustment helped Kenya improve their defensive organisation, win back possession and limit South Africa’s attacking influence.

Meanwhile, Mosimane will be looking to ensure that Bafana Bafana maintain control of Tuesday’s encounter and protect their position at the top of the group standings.

For McCarthy, the mission is to build on Friday’s impressive display and demonstrate that Kenya’s comeback was no coincidence.

With two former South African football stars now leading opposing national teams, Tuesday’s meeting in Nairobi is expected to deliver another exciting contest.

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