Bafana name side to face Kenya in Afcon 2027 qualifier
Bafana Bafana and Kenya have confirmed their line-ups for tonight's Group D qualifier in Soweto, with Pitso Mosimane facing Benni McCarthy.
Both teams have confirmed their starting line-ups for tonight’s Group D qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, according to iDiski Times. The match is being played at the Orlando Amstel Arena and kicks off at 18:00.
The teams
Bafana Bafana will be led out by captain Williams. The other names in Pitso Mosimane’s starting side include Modiba, Mofokeng, Appollis and Rayners. Twelve players have been named on the substitutes’ bench.
Kenya, coached by Benni McCarthy, have also released their starting eleven, which features Omondi, Lenkupae and Luheni. Their list of substitutes has not yet been confirmed.
Where the group stands
South Africa go into the game with six points from their first two fixtures. They edged Guinea 2-1 and then beat Eritrea 5-0. A result tonight would strengthen their grip on top spot in the group.
Kenya have had a tougher start, collecting a single point from their two September matches. They lost 1-0 to Guinea and drew 1-1 with Eritrea.
What the coaches said
Mosimane has urged his players to take the Kenyans seriously. As quoted by SuperSport Football, he said: “We must be very careful of playing a team with nothing to lose.” He also spoke of the respect he has for McCarthy’s playing and coaching career, pointing to the time McCarthy spent at Manchester United and his work with Cristiano Ronaldo.
McCarthy, meanwhile, is returning to a ground that holds special memories for him. He won trophies there after coming back from Europe. “I go home to where my roots are,” he said, adding that he has always had unforgettable moments in front of the supporters there.
What to remember
- Kick-off is at 18:00 tonight, 13 November.
- The venue is the Orlando Amstel Arena, also known as eSgodini.
- Bafana lead the way in Group D with six points from two games, while Kenya have one.
The reunion between Mosimane and McCarthy adds extra interest to a match in which South Africa will hope to extend their strong start to the qualifying campaign.
This story is based on reporting by iDiski Times.
