LIVE: Bafana Bafana vs Kenya – scores, goals, updates, AFCON qualifier result

Published on by

LIVE: Bafana Bafana vs Kenya – scores, goals, updates, AFCON qualifier result
Photo - AF ZA

Bafana Bafana host Kenya in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday, 13 November 2026, with kick-off at 18:00 SAST.

Pitso Mosimane’s side lead Group D on six points and face a Kenya side managed by Bafana’s all-time leading scorer, Benni McCarthy, who is meeting his native country for the first time.

The return leg is in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November.

Follow Bafana Bafana vs Kenya LIVE here

Bafana Bafana vs Kenya: What is at stake

South Africa are first in Group D on six points, ahead of Guinea (three), Kenya (one) and Eritrea (one). Kenya have already qualified for the finals as co-hosts with Uganda and Tanzania, leaving one place open among the other sides in the group. A Bafana win would extend their lead before the return leg.

Oswin Appollis playing for Bafana against Eritrea.
Oswin Appollis (right) playing for Bafana against Eritrea. Image: Imago

How Bafana Bafana arrive

South Africa are ranked 48th in the world and have won four and lost one of their last five matches, scoring nine and conceding two with three clean sheets. They beat Guinea 2-1 and Eritrea 5-0 in their first two group games. Mosimane took charge on 1 September on a five-year deal, replacing Hugo Broos, having previously coached the national team from 2010 to 2012.

Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and Oswin Appollis.
Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane and Oswin Appollis.

Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena are doubts pending final fitness checks, with Mosimane saying they will only be ruled out on medical advice. Sipho Chaine or Ricardo Goss could cover in goal, and Bathusi Aubaas or Brooklyn Poggenpoel in midfield. Mbokazi returns from injury and Lyle Foster rejoins after missing the September camp. Themba Zwane and Nkosinathi Sibisi were left out. No suspensions have been reported.

How Kenya arrive

Kenya are ranked 114th and have won one, drawn three and lost one of their last five matches, scoring six and conceding three. They lost 1-0 away to Guinea and drew 1-1 at home with Eritrea, with Ryan Ogam equalising in the 87th minute. They have one group goal so far.

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

Michael Olunga returns after pelvic surgery, and Eric Ouma returns after a long absence. No suspensions have been reported. McCarthy has been in charge since March 2025.

Bafana Bafana vs. Kenya Head-to-Head

The sides have met four times before, all friendlies. South Africa won three and drew one, scoring six and conceding two. This is their first competitive meeting.

Bafana Bafana vs Kenya: Key players

Relebohile Mofokeng of Union Saint-Gilloise has two AFCON qualifying goals, both against Eritrea. For Kenya, Ogam of RFC Liège scored their only group goal, and Olunga is reportedly one goal short of William Ouma’s national record of 35.

Stay with us for updates, goals and the final result from Soweto.

<!-- Author Start -->Ayomide Oguntimehin<!-- Author End -->

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Editor Site Coordinator

  • Football
  • Sports Journalism
  • Odds
  • MMA
  • Boxing

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Chief Editor at Soccernet NG, Afrik Foot Nigeria & South Africa. Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.

You May Also Like