Harambee Stars could look to exploit a potential weakness in South Africa’s defence when the two sides meet in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header.
Bafana Bafana head into Friday’s Group D encounter at Orlando Stadium with central defenders Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya both one booking away from suspension.
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Okon picked up his first yellow card during South Africa’s opening qualifier against Guinea, while Makhanya was cautioned in their subsequent match against Eritrea.
Both players remain at risk of missing a future qualifying fixture should they receive another booking, with four matches still to be played in the group after the current round of games.
The situation presents an opportunity for Kenya to put pressure on the South African defensive pairing, particularly by testing their composure in duels and challenging them with pace and movement in the attacking third.
However, the suspension threat does not necessarily mean either defender will hold back, as another booking would only rule them out of the following match in the same competition.
Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane however has options should either defender be unavailable. Mbekezeli Mbokazi is back in the squad and provides another option at the heart of defence, while Lebone Seema is also available to step in.
CAF regulations provide for an automatic one-match suspension when a player accumulates two yellow cards during the qualifying phase.
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