WeeklySA_AdminSHOWDOWN: Bafana Bafana’s record goalscorer returns with Kenya to challenge Pitso Mosimane’s confident side, as the Harambee Stars seek a revival after a difficult start to their AFCON campaign…
By WSAM Sports Reporter
Benni McCarthy will return to familiar territory with an unfamiliar mission next month: plotting the downfall of the national team whose colours he once wore with distinction.
The former Bafana Bafana striker brings Kenya to the Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday, November 13, for the first of two successive 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Pitso Mosimane’s South Africa. Kick-off is at 18h00, with the return encounter scheduled for Nairobi on Tuesday, November 17.
For supporters, the attraction extends beyond the meeting of two national teams. Two prominent South African football figures will occupy opposing technical areas, each seeking a result that would strengthen his team’s ambitions.
Mosimane’s immediate objective is to maintain Bafana’s perfect qualifying start. McCarthy faces a different challenge: restoring momentum to a Kenyan side whose recent results have tempered the optimism generated earlier in his tenure.
For Kenya, these fixtures provide competitive preparation and a
measure of their progress towards the tournament. For Bafana, the points are essential to securing passage…
South Africa lead Group D with six points after beating Guinea 2–1 in Johannesburg and overwhelming Eritrea 5–0 in Egypt. Kenya collected just one point from their opening two fixtures, drawing 1–1 at home against Eritrea before losing 1–0 away to Guinea.
Bafana also defeated Egypt 1–0 in a Cairo friendly during the international window. According to the supplied SAFA update, those results helped lift South Africa to 48th in the world rankings and 10th in Africa.
That contrasting form gives the hosts reason for confidence. But McCarthy’s knowledge of South African football adds an intriguing dimension to a contest in which sentiment will have to make way for professional responsibility.
Benni’s Mixed Fortunes
McCarthy’s stewardship of the Harambee Stars has offered evidence of potential alongside reminders of the difficulties involved in turning promise into consistent results.
One of the high points came at the African Nations Championship in August 2025, when he guided Kenya’s locally based players to the quarter-finals on their tournament debut.
Kenya topped a demanding group that included Morocco, DR Congo and Zambia, before their campaign ended against Madagascar. After a 1–1 draw across 120 minutes, the hosts lost the penalty shoot-out 4–3.
“Nothing but proud of what we achieved,” McCarthy said afterwards, reflecting on a campaign that gave Kenyan supporters renewed belief in their national team.
The latest AFCON window, however, brought frustration both on and off the field.
Preparations were disrupted by a dispute over unpaid allowances and concerns about travel and accommodation. McCarthy publicly urged the Football Kenya Federation to address the distractions so that his players could concentrate on football.
Against Eritrea, Kenya needed an 87th-minute equaliser from Ryan Ogam to salvage a home draw. The subsequent trip to Conakry brought another setback, with Serhou Guirassy’s first-half goal securing victory for Guinea.
The challenge against Bafana is therefore about more than a celebrated coach’s homecoming. McCarthy needs his side to demonstrate greater attacking conviction and the ability to compete consistently against stronger opposition.
Different Stakes, Same Ambition
There is an important distinction between the teams’ qualifying circumstances. Kenya already have a place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
Only the highest-placed non-host country in Group D will qualify, leaving South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea competing for that berth.
For Kenya, these fixtures provide competitive preparation and a measure of their progress towards the tournament.
For Bafana, the points are essential to securing passage.
Mosimane is expected to announce his preliminary squad in the coming days, with the November double-header offering an opportunity to consolidate South Africa’s advantage.
McCarthy, meanwhile, will be seeking a result that changes the conversation around his team. Familiar surroundings may provide a warm reception, but Bafana will be determined that their former marksman leaves Orlando empty-handed.
Tickets are on sale at R100 for adults and R40 for children aged five to 12. Children’s tickets must be purchased with at least one adult ticket. Gates open at 15h00.
Bookings are available through Ticketpro.
