Bafana Bafana are back in action next month with back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Kenya.

Pitso Mosimane’s men will host Benni McCarthy’s side on Friday, 13 November 2026, before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture on Tuesday, 17 November 2026. Kick-off for the first encounter at Orlando Amstel Arena is scheduled for 18:00.

The two matches will carry extra significance, with McCarthy set to face his home country for the first time since taking charge of Kenya. The former Bafana Bafana striker will also have an opportunity to test himself against Mosimane on South African soil.

Bafana Bafana currently sit at the top of Group D after winning both of their AFCON qualifying matches in September. Mosimane’s charges defeated Guinea 2-1 in Johannesburg before recording a convincing 5-0 victory over Eritrea in Egypt.

South Africa also secured a 1-0 win over Egypt in Cairo during the same international window, further boosting the team’s confidence ahead of the upcoming qualifiers.

The impressive run of results has also contributed to Bafana Bafana’s rise in the FIFA rankings. South Africa are currently ranked 48th in the world and 10th in Africa.

Mosimane is expected to announce his preliminary squad in the coming days as preparations for the double-header gather momentum.

Bafana Bafana Closing in on AFCON Qualification

With South Africa sitting at the summit of Group D, the upcoming matches against Kenya could prove decisive in their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Bafana could secure qualification by winning both matches against Kenya, provided Guinea fail to beat Eritrea in at least one of their two meetings.

That scenario would put Mosimane’s men in a strong position to book their place at next year’s continental showpiece, although the final qualification picture will depend on the results elsewhere in the group.

The double-header therefore presents South Africa with an opportunity to strengthen their position at the top of Group D while dealing a blow to Kenya’s qualification hopes.

Bafana have qualified for the last two AFCONS under previous head coach Hugo Broos.