South Africa hosts Kenya in first AFCON qualifying meeting

South Africa hosts Kenya in Johannesburg on Friday, November 13, in the first of two November Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Group D leadership at stake for the hosts and Kenya already assured of a place at the 2027 finals as a co-host.

Pitso Mosimane’s South Africa side leads the group after winning its first two qualifiers, beating Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0. The team can strengthen its position with results against Kenya, but Mosimane has said the priority is to remain top through the final group matchday. The return fixture is scheduled for Nairobi on November 17.

Kenya is participating in qualifying despite its guaranteed finals berth, which it holds as a co-host alongside Uganda and Tanzania. South Africa’s remaining group matches after the doubleheader are away to Guinea and at home against Eritrea in March 2027. The group’s qualification rules mean Kenya’s host place does not remove it from the qualifying competition.

Mosimane has urged his players not to underestimate Kenya, pointing to the team’s 1-0 loss away to Guinea. Kenya also drew 1-1 with Eritrea in its opening two matches. Mosimane praised the work of Kenya coach Benni McCarthy, a former South Africa...