AFCON 2027 Qualifier: Bafana Bafana vs Kenya Prediction

Bafana Bafana will look to maintain their perfect start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign when they welcome Kenya to Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday evening.

ALSO READ: No Player Has Created More Europa League Chances Than Relebohile Mofokeng.

Pitso Mosimane’s side have enjoyed an impressive start to qualifying, winning their opening two matches to establish a three-point lead at the top of Group D. Another victory would strengthen South Africa’s position ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture in Nairobi.

However, Friday’s encounter carries an intriguing subplot, with Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy returning to his homeland as head coach of Kenya. The former Manchester United first-team coach will be determined to upset his former national team and claim a statement victory against Mosimane.

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South Africa have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years, and their impressive performances have continued under Mosimane following Hugo Broos’ departure after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Bafana Bafana began their AFCON qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea in Johannesburg before producing a dominant performance against Eritrea, recording an emphatic 5-0 victory in Cairo.

Mosimane’s side then defeated Egypt 1-0 in an international friendly, extending their winning streak to three matches and demonstrating their ability to compete against some of Africa’s strongest nations.

South Africa have scored seven goals and conceded just once in their opening two qualifiers, with their attacking performances particularly encouraging.

Relebohile Mofokeng has emerged as one of Bafana’s most influential attacking players. The 22-year-old Union Saint-Gilloise star scored twice against Eritrea and has continued to impress in European football, providing Mosimane with an exciting creative outlet.

Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster offer additional attacking quality, while the experience of Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole provides stability in midfield.

However, Mosimane faces several selection concerns ahead of Friday’s encounter. Captain Ronwen Williams and Mokoena have been managing injuries, although both were included in the squad. Their availability will depend on final fitness assessments.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi returns to the national team, while Mamelodi Sundowns youngster Siyanda Ndlovu has earned his first senior call-up following his impressive domestic performances.

Kenya, meanwhile, have endured a difficult start to their qualifying campaign under McCarthy.

The Harambee Stars opened with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Eritrea before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Guinea, leaving them third in Group D with just one point from two matches.

They subsequently played out a goalless draw against Rwanda in an international friendly, highlighting their ongoing struggles in front of goal.

Nevertheless, Kenya have already secured qualification for AFCON 2027 as one of the tournament’s three co-hosts, alongside Uganda and Tanzania. This means McCarthy’s side can approach the remaining qualifiers with less pressure, using the matches to build momentum ahead of next year’s tournament.

Former Al-Duhail striker Michael Olunga remains one of Kenya’s most dangerous attacking players, while Ryan Ogam has emerged as an exciting prospect after scoring nine goals in his first 15 international appearances.

McCarthy will also welcome the return of several experienced players, including Eric Ouma, as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the double-header.

Although Kenya have struggled for goals recently, Mosimane has warned his players against underestimating a team with nothing to lose.

With Bafana Bafana enjoying home advantage and superior recent form, South Africa should have enough quality to overcome their East African opponents.

Recent Form & Stats

• Bafana Bafana lead Group D with six points from their opening two AFCON qualifiers.
  
• South Africa defeated Guinea 2-1 before thrashing Eritrea 5-0.
  
• Mosimane’s side have scored seven goals and conceded just once in qualifying.
  
• Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice in the 5-0 victory over Eritrea.
  
• South Africa have won three of their four previous meetings with Kenya, with the other ending in a draw.
  
• Kenya are third in Group D with one point from two matches.
  
• The Harambee Stars drew 1-1 against Eritrea before losing 1-0 to Guinea.
  
• McCarthy’s side are winless in their last three international matches.
  
• Kenya have scored just once in their previous three fixtures.
  
• Kenya have already qualified for AFCON 2027 as tournament co-hosts.
  
• Ryan Ogam has scored nine goals in 15 international appearances.

Best Bets & Predictions

Prediction: South Africa to win at 1.25.

Best Bet: South Africa to win to nil at 1.64.

Value Bet: South Africa to win 2-0 at 4.15.