Bafana Bafana Ready for AFCON Qualifier Against Kenya in Soweto
Bafana Bafana completed their final Matchday -1 training session on Thursday afternoon at the Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group D qualifier against Kenya on Friday evening. Kick-off is scheduled for 18h00 as South Africa look to maintain their perfect start to the qualification campaign.
Head coach Pitso Mosimane put his players through their final preparations ahead of the encounter with the Harambee Stars. The squad appeared sharp and focused as they aim to extend their winning run and strengthen their position at the top end of the Group D standings.
South Africa head into the fixture full of confidence after winning their opening two AFCON qualifiers. Another victory against Kenya would further boost Bafana Bafana’s chances of securing qualification for the continental showpiece and maintain momentum in the campaign.
Friday’s match marks the first of two consecutive meetings between the two nations. Following the clash in Johannesburg, Bafana Bafana will travel to Nairobi for the return fixture on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, in what could prove to be a decisive period in the race for qualification.
Mosimane has emphasised the importance of making home advantage count, with his side eager to collect maximum points before heading to Kenya. The support of the home crowd at Orlando Amstel Arena is expected to provide an added boost for the South African team.
Kenya, meanwhile, will be determined to upset the hosts and revive their own qualification ambitions. The Harambee Stars are expected to provide a stern test as they look to leave Johannesburg with a positive result ahead of next week’s return fixture on home soil.
Fans are encouraged to fill the stadium and get behind the national team. Tickets for the match are available through Ticketpro at R100 for adults and R40 for children between the ages of five and 12. Children’s tickets cannot be purchased separately and must be bought together with at least one adult ticket.
Gates will open at 15:00, giving supporters plenty of time to enter the venue before kick-off. With three valuable points at stake and qualification momentum on the line, Bafana Bafana will be aiming to make it three wins from three matches when they host Kenya on Friday evening