South Africa have confirmed their starting lineup for next week's key Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, with kick-off at 19:00 local time.
Head coach Hugo Broos has kept faith with the side that secured a vital away win last month. The team will line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, unchanged from the victory over Egypt. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine will start behind a back four of Tholo Thabang Matuludi, Lebone Seema, Ime Okon and Fawaaz Basadien.
Yaya Sithole and Brooklyn Poggenpoel will anchor the midfield, with Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews and Luther Singh operating in advanced roles. Cassius Mailula leads the attack as the lone striker. The selection rewards the players for their recent performance and aims to build momentum in the qualification group. Dithejane, who scored the decisive 51st-minute goal in the 1-0 win against Egypt on October 4, will be a key attacking threat once more.
South Africa enter the fixture on the back of a positive result. Their last outing was a 1-0 away win against Egypt on October 4, a match decided by Puso Dithejane's 51st-minute goal. That result gives the team a perfect record from their last match, with one win and no defeats. Their recent form shows one win from their most recent outing, leaving them unbeaten in their last match.
Broos will be looking for a similar defensive solidity and attacking efficiency at home. The match against Kenya represents a significant opportunity to strengthen South Africa's position in the group standings. The team will be confident of continuing their positive run when they host Kenya on November 11.
With seven days until the fixture, the squad will undergo final preparations. The focus will be on replicating the disciplined display that brought success in Cairo. A win on home soil would provide a major boost to the qualification campaign. The unchanged lineup reflects a desire for consistency following the successful last result, a 1-0 victory over Egypt secured on October 4.
Kenya striker Kelvin Etemesi believes his side can beat South Africa in their upcoming qualifier. The Marumo Gallants forward said South Africa's team moves the ball quickly through midfield. "We can beat them if we deny them space in that area," Etemesi said. He also warned that Bafana Bafana's wingers are dangerous if the central areas are closed. South Africa's next fixture is at home to Kenya on 2026-11-11, following their last result, a 1-0 win over Egypt on 2026-10-04.
The Equatoguinean Football Federation confirmed on November 5 that goalkeeper Jesus Owono will miss his country's upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. This follows the fatal collision involving Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel during a club match on November 2. The 25-year-old Owono said, "These are the most difficult days of my life." South Africa's next fixture remains at home to Kenya on November 11, following their 1-0 win over Egypt on October 4.
