Bafana Bafana kick off their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign this Saturday afternoon at Orlando Stadium against Guinea.
It’s only matchday one, but picking up maximum points at home against the Syli National is a non-negotiable for Pitso Mosimane’s men.
South Africa have been drawn in Group D alongside Guinea, Eritrea and most importantly hosts Kenya who completely change the dynamics of the group.
Bafana’s unique road to AFCON 2027 explained
Now normally, the top two teams in each qualification group book their spots at the final tournament, however Group D is slightly different.
Kenya automatically qualify for the tournament by virtue of being co-hosts of AFCON 2027, taking up one spot from the group while the second spot will be taken by whoever tops the group.
What this means for Pitso Mosimane’s side is that they either have to top the group, or finish in second position in the group provided Benni McCarthy’s Kenya side finish in first position.
The 2027 AFCON will be hosted across three countries, namely Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda between June and July next year.
Bafana Bafana open their campaign against Guinea on Saturday 26 September at home before facing Eritrea four days later.
Photo: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images
