South Africa are set to open their AFCON 2027 Group D qualifying campaign against Guinea before travelling to face Eritrea, but several important players could be unavailable for the opening fixtures.
CAF has scheduled the first two qualifying matchdays between 21 September and 6 October 2026, leaving the national team with limited time to regroup.
Khuliso Mudau suffers major injury blow
The latest setback involves Khuliso Mudau, who suffered an Achilles rupture during Mamelodi Sundowns’ 2-0 victory over Marumo Gallants.
The 31-year-old right-back is expected to spend several months on the sidelines after suffering the serious injury. Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso confirmed that Mudau will require specialist treatment and surgery.
His absence will be another major blow for Bafana as they prepare for the start of their AFCON qualification campaign.
More key players sidelined
Mudau is not the only concern for South Africa.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi is reportedly out for the remainder of the 2026 MLS season after sustaining a serious thigh muscle injury while playing for Chicago Fire.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena is also recovering from an ankle injury. His absence could leave Bafana with an important gap in midfield given his role in the national team.
There are also injury concerns surrounding Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa and Bradley Cross, further complicating the selection picture.
With several players potentially unavailable, South Africa could be forced to make significant changes before their opening qualifiers.
Pitso Mosimane appointment still hanging over Bafana
The injury crisis comes at a particularly difficult time for the national team.
Hugo Broos left his position after his contract expired at the end of July, bringing his five-year tenure to an end.
Broos enjoyed considerable success with Bafana, guiding South Africa to third place at the 2023 AFCON and helping the team reach the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
SAFA’s National Executive Committee subsequently approved Pitso Mosimane as his successor, but reports have suggested that contractual issues still need to be resolved.
That uncertainty could prove costly with the AFCON qualifiers approaching rapidly.
If Mosimane is officially confirmed in time, he will have to work quickly to assess his options, replace injured players and implement his tactical philosophy.
Group D presents an opportunity
South Africa were drawn alongside Guinea, Eritrea and Kenya in Group D.
The group also features an interesting subplot, with former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy coaching Kenya.
The first two matches against Guinea and Eritrea will be followed by two encounters with Kenya in November. The final qualifying matches are scheduled for March 2027.
Because Kenya is one of the co-hosts of AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania, it will qualify automatically as a host. One additional team from Group D will qualify.
Bafana remain favourites on paper
On FIFA rankings, South Africa enter the group as the highest-ranked team.
- 🇿🇦 South Africa – 54th
- 🇬🇳 Guinea – 81st
- 🇰🇪 Kenya – 109th
- 🇪🇷 Eritrea – 184th
Those rankings suggest Bafana should be capable of navigating the group, but injuries, coaching uncertainty and limited preparation time could make the opening fixtures far more challenging than expected.
After the momentum of their impressive 2026 World Cup campaign, South Africa now face a race against time to rebuild their squad and ensure they begin their AFCON 2027 qualification campaign on the front foot.
Can Bafana overcome their injury crisis and coaching uncertainty?
