Group D still tight after Bafana Bafana-Kenya draw: What’s next?

Bafana Bafana were held to a 2-2 draw against Kenya at the Orlando Stadium on Friday.

The Harambee Stars equalised through Ryan Ogam to take a valuable point away.

Here’s what the result means in a tight three-way race to the AFCON 2027 group stage.

Bafana Bafana’s place in AFCON qualifiers

Heading into the game on 13 November, South Africa were leading the qualifying group standings.

Guinea initially closed the gap with their 2-1 win over Eritrea on Thursday, 12 November.

They remained a threat in second on goal difference alone.

Kenya were third, level on 1 point with Eritrea but with a superior goal tally.

After the draw at the Orlando Stadium on 13 November, South Africa are still in front by a single point.

According to LiveScore, Guinea are second, but Kenya has closed the gap in third.

Qualification remains in Bafana’s control, provided that they strike back in Nairobi on Tuesday.

How South Africa can still qualify

The ideal scenario for Pitso Mosimane is three wins from the remaining games, which will see them through.

Realistically, Bafana need at least five points to secure their place at the main AFCON tournament.

This would include defeating or drawing against Guinea in their away clash next March.

Any fewer points, or a loss in that penultimate fixture, could derail Pitso Mosimane’s boys.

This increases the stakes ahead of the South Africa-Kenya fixture on 17 November.

The Harambee Stars have already qualified as co-hosts, alongside Tanzania and Uganda.

Remaining AFCON qualifying Group D fixtures

• 16 November – Eritrea vs Guinea, Al Salam Stadium, Cairo
• 17 November – Kenya vs South Africa, Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi
• 24 March 2027 – Eritrea vs Kenya, Guinea vs South Africa (details to be confirmed)
• 28 March 2027 – Kenya vs Guinea, South Africa vs Eritrea (details to be confirmed)

Fixture details are correct according to SAFA.

CAN SOUTH AFRICA WIN THEIR REMAINING GAMES IN THE AFCON QUALIFIERS?

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