Kenya vs South Africa prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, November 17, 2026
AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations
Matchday 4 of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying will see Kenya take on South Africa on November 17, 2026. The visitors need to win this one.
Kenya vs South Africa: team news and expert analysis
Kenya looked decent in friendly matches. But when they began their new qualifying campaign in September, they failed to beat even Eritrea at home, drawing 1-1. They then lost 0-1 to Guinea. After that, they played out a goalless draw with Rwanda in a friendly.
South Africa returned to the World Cup this summer and, after picking up four points, advanced from the group—but were knocked out straight away, losing to Canada. They also went out immediately in the AFCON knockout stages in winter, falling to Cameroon. However, they beat both Eritrea and Guinea in September qualifying, then defeated Egypt in a friendly in early October.
The teams met in the previous round in South Africa, where the match surprisingly ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
Previous matches: Kenya vs South Africa
Before that, they met in friendlies in 2011 and 2012, with the current visitors coming out on top both times.
The favorite won't stumble for a second straight match. They will win away (odds – 1.75).
Kenya vs South Africa: key stats and trends
- Kenya have lost one of their last eight matches
- Kenya score an average of 1.2 goals and concede 1.5 per match
- Both teams have scored in 40% of Kenya's matches, with an average total of 2.7 goals per game
- South Africa have won four of their last six matches
- South Africa score an average of 1.3 goals and concede 0.8 per match
- Both teams have scored in 40% of South Africa's matches, with an average total of 2.1 goals per game
Kenya vs South Africa: probable starting lineups
Kenya are expected to line up in a 1-5-3-2 formation: B. Omond — Onyango, A. Omar, Wanjala, F. Odhiambo, Owino — Tera, Lenkupae, A. Wilson — Olunga, Ochieng
South Africa are expected to line up in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation: Williams — Matuludi, Ocon, Mahanja, Modiba — Mokoena, Sitole — Mofokeng, Moremi, Appollis — Rayners
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