AFCON 2027 qualifiers: all of Saturday’s results and goalscorers

Two matches brought the day to a close, with South Africa winning and Kenya drawing

Africa Today at 12:11

Add Foot Africa on Google

AFCON 2027 qualifiers: all of Saturday’s results and goalscorers

South Africa beat Guinea 2-1, while Kenya were held to a 1-1 draw by Eritrea on Saturday.

The first matchday of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers concluded this Saturday, September 26, with the two Group D matches. It is a particular group, since Kenya have already qualified as a co-host nation and only one place therefore remains to be claimed among South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea.

South Africa already take an option

In Soweto, Pitso Mosimane’s South Africa recorded an important victory against Guinea (2-1). Ime Okon opened the scoring in the 30th minute before Seydouba Cissé equalised for the Syli National in the second half. The final word went to Bafana Bafana thanks to Samukele Kabini, who scored in the 77th minute for his first goal for the national team.

This win immediately puts South Africa at the top of the group with three points. Guinea nevertheless held a slight historical advantage in their head-to-head meetings, but they leave this time without a single point.

Eritrea come close to an upset in Kenya

A few hours earlier in Nairobi, Kenya and Eritrea played out a 1-1 draw. Nahom Girmai Netabay capitalised on a lapse in the Kenyan defence to put the visitors ahead in the first half. Despite dominating proceedings, the Harambee Stars struggled against their opponents for a long time.

It was not until the 87th minute that Ryan Ogam snatched the equaliser and spared Kenya a surprise defeat. Benni McCarthy had called up a reshuffled squad for this international window, with the qualifiers also serving as preparation for the finals that the country will co-host in 2027.

Saturday, September 26 results

Kenya 1-1 Eritrea - Ryan Ogam (87th minute) / Nahom Girmai Netabay (first half).
South Africa 2-1 Guinea - Ime Okon (30th minute), Samukele Kabini (77th minute) / Seydouba Cissé (69th minute).

After this first matchday, South Africa top Group D with 3 points, ahead of Kenya and Eritrea, who have one point each. Guinea bring up the rear with no points. Bafana Bafana will then face Eritrea on September 30, while Guinea will host Kenya on October 1.