Bafana Bafana remain at the top of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group, but their frustrating 2-2 draw against Kenya has made the race for qualification considerably tighter.
South Africa dropped points at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 13 November, after allowing the Harambee Stars to fight back and claim a share of the spoils. The result has given their Group D rivals renewed hope as the qualifiers enter a crucial stage.
With three matches remaining, Pitso Mosimane’s team still control their qualification destiny, but they cannot afford another costly slip.
Bafana Bafana Remain Top Despite Kenya Draw
South Africa entered the Kenya encounter as Group D leaders, knowing that a victory would strengthen their position at the summit.
However, Guinea had already put pressure on the group leaders after recording a 2-1 win over Eritrea on Thursday, 12 November. That result brought Guinea closer to Bafana, leaving the two sides separated by goal difference before Friday’s match.
Kenya were third, level on one point with Eritrea but ahead on goal tally.
The 2-2 draw at Orlando Stadium means South Africa remain top, but their advantage over Guinea has been reduced to just one point. Kenya have also moved closer to the leading sides, making the remaining fixtures increasingly important.
Mosimane’s Side Must Respond in Nairobi
Bafana Bafana now turn their attention to the return fixture against Kenya, scheduled for Tuesday, 17 November, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The match presents an important opportunity for Mosimane’s men to recover the points dropped at home and strengthen their position in Group D.
South Africa will be targeting a victory, although Kenya have already demonstrated that they can trouble the group leaders.
The Harambee Stars are also co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON tournament alongside Tanzania and Uganda, meaning their qualification for the finals is already secured. Nevertheless, they remain involved in the qualifying campaign.
What Bafana Need to Secure AFCON Qualification
Three victories from their remaining matches would give South Africa the ideal route to qualification.
However, the team could potentially secure their place with fewer points. The supplied report suggests that at least five points from the remaining fixtures could be enough, although their final position will depend on the results of other Group D matches.
One of the biggest challenges will be the away encounter against Guinea in March 2027. That fixture could prove decisive in determining which team finishes at the top of the group.
Any further dropped points could put additional pressure on Mosimane and his players, particularly with Guinea still competing strongly for qualification.
Remaining AFCON 2027 Qualifying Fixtures – Group D
South Africa and their Group D rivals have the following matches remaining:
- 16 November 2026: Eritrea vs Guinea – Al Salam Stadium, Cairo.
- 17 November 2026: Kenya vs South Africa – Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
- 24 March 2027: Eritrea vs Kenya; Guinea vs South Africa.
- 28 March 2027: Kenya vs Guinea; South Africa vs Eritrea.
The March fixtures will bring the group campaign to a conclusion, with Bafana needing to maintain their focus throughout the remaining matches.
Pressure Mounts on Bafana Bafana
The draw against Kenya has made the Group D qualification race more competitive than South Africa would have wanted.
Mosimane’s team still have an opportunity to finish the campaign strongly, but their next assignment in Nairobi will be particularly important.
With Guinea closing in and Kenya proving difficult opponents, Bafana must turn their remaining opportunities into results if they want to avoid unnecessary complications on the road to AFCON 2027.
Can Bafana Bafana bounce back against Kenya and win their remaining AFCON qualifiers?
