Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy has warned that his Harambee Stars will not be an easy opponent for South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in their crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The match, set to take place at Orlando Stadium on Friday, is a key fixture in the 2027 AFCON qualification campaign. McCarthy described the contest as a “David vs. Goliath” battle but emphasized that his team would not be intimidated.
The match is part of a high-stakes qualification process where teams compete for a spot in the third round of the CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. McCarthy, who previously coached South Africa, has spoken about the challenges facing the national team, including the need for better preparation and performance. He also mentioned that Bafana would have performed better at the FIFA World Cup under Pitso Mosimane.
This qualifier comes as Kenya and South Africa continue their preparations for the 2027 AFCON. The match will be the first of several important fixtures for both teams, with the outcome likely to influence their progression in the tournament. McCarthy’s comments highlight the competitive nature of the qualifiers and the pressure on both sides to deliver strong performances.
