Six changes: Bafana Bafana’s expected starting line-up vs Kenya

Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane is expected to make at least five changes from the team that took on Eritrea in the previous Afcon 2027 clash.

Kamogelo Sebelebele is injured and unavailable at right-back, as is Thapelo Maseko on the right-wing. Mosimane has also welcomed back three clutch players from injury in Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Teboho Mokoena and Aubrey Modiba.

BAFANA BAFANA STARTING LINE-UP TO EXPECT AGAINST KENYA

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams, Right-back: Thabang Matuludi, Right-central-defender: Olwethu Makhanya, Left-central-defender: Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Left-back: Aubrey Modiba, Central midfielder: Sphephelo Sithole, Central midfielder: Teboho Mokoena, Attacking midfielder: Relebohile Mofokeng, Right-winger: Tshepang Moremi, Left-winger: Oswin Appollis, Striker: Iqraam Rayners.

AFCON 2027: SOUTH AFRICA VS KENYA

Bafana Bafana have enjoyed a perfect start to the Afcon 2027 campaign. Mosimane’s side are on six points from two matches to lead Group D with a +6 goal difference.

The qualifying journey kicked off with a 2-1 home win over Guinea in Johannesburg. It was followed by the 5-0 demolition of Eritrea in Cairo. Those results also lifted South Africa to 48th in the FIFA world rankings and 10th in Africa.

With Kenya already guaranteed a place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts alongside Tanzania and Uganda, only the Group D winners will secure the remaining qualification spot. Two victories over Kenya, starting in Soweto on Friday before the return fixture at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Tuesday, November 17, would put South Africa in a commanding position to progress.

The clash between South Africa and Kenya also brings a familiar face into the opposing dugout. Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading goalscorer, Benni McCarthy, returns to South Africa as Kenya’s head coach, facing his homeland for the first time in his new role.

The Harambee Stars are bottom of Group D with just one point from their opening two matches. They suffered a 1-0 defeat to Guinea before settling for a 1-1 draw against Eritrea.

McCarthy has also had to deal with problems away from the pitch. The former Bafana striker publicly disclosed that members of his technical team have gone roughly three months without receiving their salaries.

Friday’s encounter will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations. However, they have faced each other four times in international friendlies. South Africa remain unbeaten in those matches, recording three wins and one draw, while scoring six goals and conceding two.

Bafana claimed a 1-0 victory in 1996. Then played a 1-1 draw in 2002 before Kenya won on penalties. South Africa secured a 2-0 win in 2011. In 2012 in Nairobi it was a 2-1 triumph.

WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTED LINE-UP?

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