Bafana Bafana Face Benni McCarthy’s Kenya In Explosive Soweto Showdown As Pitso Mosimane Targets Third Consecutive AFCON Qualifying Win

South African football supporters are preparing for an exciting evening as Bafana Bafana welcome Kenya to the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto on Friday, 13 November 2026, in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying encounter.

The highly anticipated Matchday 3 fixture is scheduled to kick off at 18:00, with thousands of supporters expected to rally behind the national team as they look to strengthen their position at the top of Group D.

However, this is not just another international football match. The encounter carries an interesting storyline, with two prominent South African football figures, Pitso Mosimane and Benni McCarthy, preparing to face each other from opposite technical areas.

South Africa head into the encounter with confidence after winning their opening two qualifying matches.

Bafana started their campaign with an impressive 2–1 victory over Guinea at home before producing a convincing 5–0 triumph against Eritrea in Cairo.

Those results have given Mosimane's team six points from two matches, placing them at the top of Group D.

Another victory against Kenya would take South Africa to nine points and strengthen their position in the race to secure qualification.

Captain Ronwen Williams and his teammates understand the importance of collecting maximum points at home before travelling to Nairobi for the return fixture.

The national team will also be encouraged by their recent performances, including a 1–0 friendly victory over Egypt.

Nevertheless, Mosimane has warned that Kenya should not be underestimated, particularly because they have already secured a place at the 2027 AFCON finals as co-hosts.

One of the biggest talking points is the return of Benni McCarthy to South African football territory.

The former Bafana Bafana striker, who remains South Africa's all-time leading international goalscorer with 31 goals, now occupies the Kenyan coaching position.

His return to Orlando is particularly emotional because he previously enjoyed memorable moments playing in front of South African supporters.

McCarthy will now have the responsibility of leading Kenya against the country where he established himself as one of the greatest footballers in the national team's history.

Kenya have collected one point from their opening two qualifying matches after drawing 1–1 with Eritrea and losing 1–0 to Guinea.

Despite already qualifying for the tournament as co-hosts, the Harambee Stars will be determined to deliver a strong performance.

South African supporters will have their eyes on Relebohile Mofokeng following his impressive two-goal performance against Eritrea.

The Orlando Pirates attacker has become an important creative figure for Bafana, and his ability to produce moments of individual brilliance could make a difference.

Ryan Ogam is another player to watch for Kenya, having demonstrated his attacking threat during the qualifying campaign.

The two sides will also need to manage the physical and tactical demands of the encounter, especially with another meeting scheduled for 17 November in Nairobi.

With home advantage, six points already secured and an opportunity to extend their lead, Bafana Bafana have plenty of motivation heading into Friday's encounter.

But Kenya have nothing to lose, and McCarthy will certainly want to make a statement against his home country.

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