Benni names advantage Kenya have over Bafana in rematch

Kenya coach Benni McCarthy has warned Bafana Bafana over a potential problem that they could face when the two teams face off in Nairobi on Tuesday.

Bafana Bafana and Harambee Stars played out an exciting 2-2 draw in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday with both sides missing a number of chances to win it.

That saw South Africa drop their first points in the qualifiers and they now have seven from three games, one ahead of second-placed Guinea, while Kenya have two and Eritrea one.

Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Image: SAFA

Ahead of the return leg at the Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday, McCarthy feels South Africa could be affected by the high altitude in Nairobi despite the Kenyan capital having a similar average elevation of 1.8 metres above sea level just like Johannesburg.

What could give Kenya the edge in Nairobi?

“When we go home, it will be different. It will be roles reversed,” McCarthy told the media as quoted by FARPost. “I’m not sure if South Africa will be accustomed to the altitude, the climate that’s in Kenya.”

Kenya coach and Bafana legend Benni McCarthy. Image: Joel Oliver

“Our players are accustomed to what’s there. So, we will be looking to take the game to them because we have seen that when we want to play, we can play,” he added.

“We just have to do that from the first minute of the game when we are at home and take the game to them. But also, be aware of the threats and danger that they pose because the shorties [forwards] they have up front can run.”

Kenyan players celebrate their qualizer against Bafana. Image: FKF Media

Benni wary of Bafana’s quality attackers

However, while McCarthy is looking to take advantage of every little detail, he acknowledges that his team faces an uphill task against a quality Bafana attack.

“Their movements are quality. Ossie [Oswin Appollis], Tshepang [Moremi], Rele [Mofokeng] and Iqraam [Rayners] gave us a lot of problems; they gave us headaches,” the Bafana legend further stated.

Relebohile Mofokeng playing for Bafana Bafana. Image: SAFA Media

“So we are happy that the game was able to finish and we got a point. We have to be aware of the threat they pose when they come to Kenya.”

Victory for Kenya would heavily dent Bafana’s chances given Guinea will play Eritrea with Kenya already assured their AFCON 2027 ticket as co-hosts, leaving the other three teams to fight for one slot.