- South Africa vs Kenya prediction article for 2027 AFCON Qualifiers breaks down form, key players, odds and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The two sides will lock horns on Friday November 13, at Orlando Stadium.
- Kick off set for 7pm EAT.
Kenya will chase their first win in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they visit South Africa on Friday evening for Round Three of Group D at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg.
Harambee Stars step onto Soweto soil led by Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading goalscorer, Benni McCarthy, who returns to his homeland looking to orchestrate an upset against Pitso Mosimane’s flying South African squad.
The encounter presents a timely opportunity for the Champions League winner, who turned 49 on Thursday, to ease the pressure and celebrate his birthday with a statement result against his home nation.
However, McCarthy faces a daunting task, with Kenya managing just two victories in their last ten matches across all competitions (2W, 4D, 4L).
Things did not go according to plan for Harambee Stars during the last international break.
They were held to a 1-1 draw by Eritrea in their qualifying opener before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Guinea. They wrapped up the break with a goalless stalemate against Rwanda in a friendly.
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However, Kenya are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, leaving just one qualification ticket up for grabs in Group D.
Thus, the pressure rests firmly on South Africa, who currently sit comfortably at the top of the group with a perfect six points from two matches.
They know that a victory on Friday, followed by another triumph in Nairobi on Tuesday, would virtually seal their ticket to the continental showpiece.
Mosimane’s side are riding a remarkable wave of confidence, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions, including a clinical 1-0 international friendly victory over Egypt last month.
They have also recorded an impressive +6 goal difference in qualifying.
What time does the South Africa vs Kenya match kick off?
The two sides meet on Friday, November 13, at Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, with kick-off scheduled for 7pm East Africa Time (6pm SAST).
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Where to watch South Africa vs Kenya
Fans looking to catch the South Africa vs Kenya 2027 AFCON qualifier live on Friday can stream the action on AzamTV Max, SABC Plus, or DStv Stream.
Viewers in Kenya and across East Africa can tune in via Azam Sports 3 HD (Channel 113), while fans in South Africa and the wider Sub-Saharan African region can follow the action on SABC 3, SuperSport PSL.
Bafana Bafana vs Harambee Stars team news
Captain Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena remain major concerns for Mosimane’s side, although the coach has indicated that he will wait until the last minute to determine whether the medical team clears them to play.
Themba Zwane has been left out of the squad, while Mbekezeli Mbokazi returns to the Bafana Bafana setup for this double-header against Harambee Stars.
The encouraging news for Kenya is the return of captain Michael Olunga, who is back in the fold after an injury that forced him to miss several matches. Eric Ouma also returns to the squad.
Alpha Onyango has been drafted in to replace the injured Manzur Okwaro, but it will be interesting to see how McCarthy tweaks his lineup as he continues to shape his side for the challenges ahead.
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South Africa vs Kenya predicted lineups
- South Africa: Williams; Matuludi, Okon, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Appollis, Mofokeng, Puthejane; Foster.
- Kenya: Omondi; Ouma, Harper, Odhiambo, Owino, Vyner; Alpha, Bajaber; Olunga, Ogam, Ochieng.
South Africa vs Kenya head-to-head record and current form
South Africa have enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings, remaining unbeaten in their last four competitive and friendly encounters against Kenya, winning three and drawing one.
Although the two nations have not faced each other in more than a decade, their previous encounters saw Bafana Bafana claim a narrow 2-1 away victory in Nairobi in October 2012, following a comfortable 2-0 home triumph in February 2011.
Current form
- South Africa (all competitions): WLWWW
- Kenya (all competitions): WDWDLD
South Africa vs Kenya prediction and betting tips
Kenya are among five East African nations yet to register a victory over South Africa, alongside Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Eritrea.
Playing on home soil, Bafana Bafana will be favourites to secure a crucial win on Friday and carry that momentum into Tuesday’s return fixture in Nairobi.
However, a memorable birthday present for McCarthy would be guiding Kenya to their first victory in the qualifiers and their maiden win against his homeland.
That possibility is one Bafana Bafana should not take lightly, especially with Harambee Stars eager to prove a point.
Kenya have struggled to make the most of their chances in the final third, but Olunga’s return could provide the attacking spark they have been missing.
With their captain back in the mix, Harambee Stars will fancy their chances of finding the net, making both teams to score an appealing prediction.