Bafana Bafana will play two Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers against Kenya, a side that is already sure of a place at the finals.
Kenya are co-hosts of the 2027 tournament with Uganda and Tanzania. Whatever happens over the 180 minutes against South Africa, the Harambee Stars will still play at the finals, IOL Sport reported.
For Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana, every point dropped puts qualification at risk. South Africa lead Group D with six points after wins over Guinea and Eritrea in their opening games.
Two wins against Kenya would lift Bafana to 12 points. According to IOL, that would put them close to qualifying with two rounds still to play.
The situation comes from a rule the Confederation of African Football (CAF) adopted at its 2017 symposium in Rabat. In a normal four-team qualifying group, the top two teams go to the finals.
When a host nation is drawn into a group, CAF rules say only the best-placed team that is not a host qualifies. This leaves South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea fighting for one spot.
Kenya still play full matches in the group, and the points they win or lose count in the table. IOL said this means Kenya’s results can decide who goes through, even though they cannot be knocked out.
The publication said the rule had a practical aim. Officials wanted hosts to avoid years of low-profile friendlies on FIFA dates. They also wanted to give broadcast partners a full set of televised games.
IOL compared the format with other continental tournaments. Before Euro 2024, host nation Germany was kept out of the qualifying draw and played friendlies instead.
When UEFA placed Euro 2016 hosts France in a five-team group, their games were played as friendlies. France’s results gave no points, and their goals did not count in the standings for Portugal, Albania, Denmark and Armenia.
In North and Central America, Concacaf links Gold Cup entry to its Nations League. There, every team faces promotion, relegation or qualification results of its own.
The report said CAF has improved its finances under president Dr Patrice Motsepe. It said the body turned past deficits into surpluses and raised prize money in men’s and women’s football.
IOL called on CAF to change the 2017 rule so that games involving a host that has already qualified no longer count in the official points table.
The Kenya games also carry a personal story. Kenya are coached by Benni McCarthy, Bafana Bafana’s all-time top goalscorer and a UEFA Champions League winner.
IOL said McCarthy can use the two matches to test new tactical systems and look at the depth of his squad ahead of 2027. He can also tell his team to sit back in a compact defence without needing to chase three points.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.