Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has warned Bafana Bafana that they should expect another difficult encounter when the two nations meet in Nairobi on Tuesday in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The former South African international believes his Harambee Stars have what it takes to trouble Pitso Mosimane’s team again after securing a dramatic 2-2 draw in Soweto last Friday.
The result was significant for South Africa, as it marked the first time Mosimane’s side dropped points in their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
With the return fixture approaching, McCarthy is confident that playing on home soil could give Kenya an additional advantage.
Benni McCarthy Highlights Kenya’s Home Advantage
South Africa entered Friday’s encounter with a three-point advantage at the top of Group D. However, Kenya’s late equaliser reduced that lead to just one point.
Although Harambee Stars are second from bottom with two points, they have already secured qualification for the 2027 AFCON as co-hosts alongside Uganda and Tanzania.
Bafana Bafana, meanwhile, still need to finish among the top two teams in their qualifying group to secure their place at the tournament.
Speaking after Friday’s draw at Orlando Amstel Arena, McCarthy suggested that the conditions in Nairobi could make Tuesday’s encounter even more challenging for the visitors.
The Kenya coach pointed to altitude and climate as factors that could work in his team’s favour.
“When we go home, it will be different. It will be roles reversed. I’m not sure if South Africa will be accustomed to the altitude. The climate that’s in Kenya,” McCarthy told the media.
He also believes his players must approach the match with greater attacking intent and put South Africa under pressure from the opening whistle.
“Our players are accustomed to what’s there. So, we will be looking to take the game to them because we have seen that when we want to play, we can play.
“We just have to do that from the first minute of the game when we are at home and take the game to them. But also, be aware of the threats and danger that they pose because the shorties [forwards] they have up front can run,” he added.
McCarthy Identifies Four Bafana Bafana Players as Major Threats
Despite being satisfied with Kenya’s ability to secure a point in Soweto, McCarthy admitted that several South African attackers caused his defence serious problems.
The former Bafana Bafana striker singled out Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Iqraam Rayners as players his team must pay close attention to in Nairobi.
McCarthy was particularly impressed by their movement, attacking combinations and ability to create dangerous situations.
“Their movements are quality. Ossie [Oswin Appollis], Tshepang [Moremi], Rele [Mofokeng] and Iqraam [Rayners] gave us a lot of problems; they gave us headaches.
“So we are happy that the game was able to finish and we got a point. We have to be aware of the threat they pose when they come to Kenya,” he explained.
His comments suggest that Kenya will need a more organised defensive performance if they are to prevent South Africa’s attacking players from dictating the game.
Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana Face Important Test in Nairobi
For Mosimane, Tuesday’s match presents an opportunity to respond after his team surrendered points in front of their home supporters.
Bafana Bafana remain top of Group D, but their advantage over the chasing teams has become considerably smaller.
South Africa will be determined to return to winning ways, while McCarthy’s Kenya will be eager to build on their impressive comeback in Soweto.
With the two coaches familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses, the Nairobi encounter promises another competitive battle.
McCarthy has made his intentions clear: Kenya will not simply sit back and defend. He wants his players to take the game to Bafana Bafana from the opening whistle.
