Kenya vs South Africa takes place on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with kickoff at 7:00 PM East Africa Time. The return leg brings Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars up against Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana in Group D of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Kenya have already qualified for the tournament as co-hosts with Tanzania and Uganda. This match therefore concerns Group D points, the national team’s competitive progress and preparations for the finals—not securing a place Kenya already holds. For a broader account of the team’s results and selection changes, see our Harambee Stars squad and AFCON 2027 guide.
Kenya vs South Africa fixture details
| Detail | Information |
| Fixture | Kenya vs South Africa |
| Competition | AFCON 2027 qualifying Group D |
| Date | Tuesday, 17 November 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:00 PM EAT |
| Venue | Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi |
| First leg | South Africa vs Kenya — 13 November 2026 |
| Coaches | Benni McCarthy (Kenya); Pitso Mosimane (South Africa) |
Harambee Stars squad: Olunga, Ouma and selection updates
Benni McCarthy named a final Harambee Stars squad for the two South Africa fixtures. The selection includes captain Michael Olunga, Eric Marcelo Ouma, Ryan Ogam and several players based outside Kenya. Read the complete 24-player Harambee Stars final squad and club list to distinguish those selected from the earlier provisional pool.
Olunga’s return is notable after the injury that kept him out of Kenya’s September qualifiers. Our previous report on Michael Olunga’s injury and recovery provides context, but that earlier absence must not be presented as his current status.
The squad also includes defender Amos Wanjala, whose senior-team progress has been covered through McCarthy’s assessment of Wanjala’s Harambee Stars debut. The published selection is not a confirmed starting XI; injuries, withdrawals and available substitutes require fresh matchday confirmation.
South Africa team news and Mosimane’s selection
South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane named a squad featuring Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Iqraam Rayners, Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster. The full Bafana Bafana squad for the Kenya qualifiers explains which players were selected and which established names missed out.
Mosimane has publicly warned against underestimating Kenya despite the difference in the teams’ opening Group D points totals. His comments on the Harambee Stars challenge provide a direct account of his approach ahead of the double-header.
AFCON 2027 Group D form: Kenya and South Africa
The AFCON 2027 Group D standings before the November double-header reflected different starts: Kenya earned one point from their first two matches, while South Africa took six. Kenya’s opening 1–1 draw against Eritrea was salvaged by Ryan Ogam; read our Kenya vs Eritrea qualifying result for the goals and match context.
Kenya then lost 1–0 away to Guinea. Our Guinea vs Kenya match report details how that result shaped Harambee Stars’ early campaign. These are dated results, not a claim about the standings after the two South Africa matches.
McCarthy’s connection to South African football also gives the pairing a distinctive background: he represented Bafana Bafana as a player and now leads Kenya against Mosimane’s side. Read our Benni McCarthy and Pitso Mosimane coaching preview for that context.
What the first leg means for the return fixture
The first meeting is scheduled for Friday, 13 November, in Johannesburg. Its result will be the most immediate form guide before the Kenya vs South Africa return leg on 17 November. The score, player availability and any disciplinary changes should be added only when established by official match information.
For the second match, the meaningful questions concern whether Kenya can turn possession and chances into goals, how the selected midfield supports the forwards and whether the defensive unit can limit South Africa’s attacking chances. Those issues should be assessed using the first-leg performance rather than predictions about a formation or lineup.
Kenya vs South Africa tickets, live score and confirmed lineups
The Football Kenya Federation lists the return leg at Nyayo Stadium, with kickoff at 7:00 PM EAT. Check official FKF match ticket information for current availability, prices and entry conditions before travelling.
On matchday, follow the Kenya vs South Africa live score, confirmed lineups, fixture status and full-time result on SportPesa Score. This keeps the match guide accurate without publishing unconfirmed team sheets or a future result.
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Conclusion
Kenya vs South Africa on 17 November offers Harambee Stars an opportunity to assess their progress against a side that won its opening two AFCON qualifying matches. Kenya’s place at the 2027 finals is already secure as a co-host, but the Group D performance and selection decisions remain significant.
Check SportPesa Score for fixture updates and the confirmed result, and follow our Harambee Stars squad and results coverage for team news through the international window.
