South Africa remain top of Group D in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers after being held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
The Harambee Stars secured a valuable point when Ryan Ogam scored the equaliser, leaving the group finely balanced ahead of the next round of fixtures.
Bafana Bafana began the match as group leaders, but their advantage has been reduced to one point following the result on 13 November.
Guinea had moved closer to the leaders with a 2-1 victory over Eritrea on Thursday, 12 November. That win kept Guinea second on goal difference, while Kenya were third, level with Eritrea on 1 point but ahead on goals scored.
According to LiveScore, Guinea remain in second place after the latest fixtures, although Kenya have narrowed the gap in third.
South Africa still control their own qualification prospects, but they must respond when they face Kenya again in Nairobi on Tuesday, 17 November.
The ideal outcome for Pitso Mosimane would be three victories from the remaining matches, a run that would guarantee South Africa’s place at the main AFCON tournament.
More realistically, Bafana Bafana need to collect at least five points to secure qualification. That total would include either a victory or a draw against Guinea in their away fixture next March.
Anything fewer could leave their position vulnerable, while defeat in that penultimate match would seriously damage South Africa’s chances of progressing.
The draw has therefore increased the importance of the return fixture against Kenya on 17 November, with only one point separating the sides in the group standings.
Kenya have already qualified for the tournament as co-hosts, alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
Fixture details are correct according to SAFA.
