In their upcoming back-to-back qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the South African Football Association (SAFA) has revealed the location of Bafana Bafana's first home match against Kenya.

South Africa will play host to Kenya on November 13, 2026, before visiting Nairobi for the rematch on November 17, 2026. Both teams will be looking to earn valuable points toward their continental tournament qualifying campaigns in the first match, which is set to begin at 6 o'clock.

The announcement states that the first match will be played at Johannesburg's Orlando Amstel Arena, setting the stage for an exciting match between two national teams vying for a better position in the AFCON qualifying campaign.

Particularly noteworthy about this match is the fact that Benni McCarthy, a former striker for Bafana Bafana and current coach of the East African national team, will be facing his home country for the first time since becoming their coach.

McCarthy has become a household name in South African football thanks to his stellar playing career and subsequent transition into coaching. Even though leading his current team to victory is his top priority, the encounter will take on an emotional tone due to his return to South Africa in his role as head coach of Kenya.

Pitso Mosimane, who is supposedly coaching Bafana Bafana during his most recent tenure, will face McCarthy in the match as well. One of the most anticipated talking points leading up to the match is the anticipated tactical feud between the two coaches.

After getting off to a great start, South Africa will feel confident heading into the qualifiers. After sweeping both of their September AFCON qualifying matches, Mosimane's squad is now atop Group D.

In their pursuit of qualification for the 2027 tournament, Bafana Bafana must keep that momentum going. They would improve their standing in the group and set themselves up nicely for the return match in Nairobi if they beat Kenya at home.

But Kenya, especially with McCarthy at the helm, should pose a formidable challenge. Before welcoming South Africa for the second leg, the Harambee Stars will be eager to secure a favorable result away from home.

Due to the close proximity of the two matches (just four days apart), both teams will have to exercise caution with their player management and make sound tactical decisions during the international break.

The Johannesburg match gives Bafana Bafana fans a chance to see their national team continue their qualification campaign in front of their home crowd. Since McCarthy is making a triumphant return to the nation that gave him his footballing breakthrough, this will be a momentous occasion for him.

As the competition for spots at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations heats up, the outcome of the two-legged match could determine the teams' Group D prospects.

Source; https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2111160227571585132